Are poinsettias poisonous to humans?

Poinsettias are not poisonous to humans. In some cases, contact with the plant can cause mild discomfort. Skin contact with the poinsettia sap can cause a rash, and ingestion of the leaves can cause stomach ache, vomiting or diarrhea. However, such reactions are rare.

The poinsettia, also called Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to Mexico and Central America. It was brought to the United States in 1825 by the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett. It is a popular Christmas decoration and is widely used during the holiday season. There are 100 varieties of poinsettias.