Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Dogs: Mild
Cats: Mild
Plant Information
Christmas Star, Christmas Plant, Mexican Flame Leaf
Euphorbiaceae
houseplant
Mildly Toxic
Toxicity Details
leaves, sap
Diterpenoid euphorbol esters, saponin-like compounds
1-4 hours
mild
Symptoms to Watch For
- Mild vomiting
- Drooling
- Skin irritation from sap
- Mild diarrhea
What to Do
Rinse mouth and wash sap off skin. Usually self-limiting. The reputation for being highly toxic is a myth — it's only mildly irritating.
About Poinsettia
Poinsettias are far less toxic than their reputation suggests. While the milky sap can irritate skin and cause mild GI upset, they are NOT the deadly poison that popular culture claims. Most pets recover without treatment.
Safe Alternatives
These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets: