Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

sap/juice

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

skin or eye contact with the milky sap; eating

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

NC State rates the human poison severity Low: eating a large amount may cause a mild stomach ache. The sap irritates skin and eyes.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Poinsettia is far less dangerous than its reputation (low severity); do not overstate..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 9a to 11b (NC State; its text says winter hardy in zones 9 to 11).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: In the ground: height 3 to 12 ft, width 3 to 8 ft (NC State). As a potted plant it rarely exceeds 2 to 3 ft (NC State).
Family: Euphorbiaceae (NC State)
Where it comes from: Mexico to Guatemala (NC State), found along the coast and in dry tropical forests.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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