“Poinsettias are deadly poisonous to humans and pets.”

The belief that poinsettias are deadly poisonous is a persistent misconception, largely stemming from an unsubstantiated report in 1919. This rumor claimed the death of a two-year-old child after ingesting a poinsettia leaf in Hawaii. The story was later included in a 1944 academic article and textbook, which unfortunately solidified the poinsettia's toxic reputation as scientific truth, despite lacking concrete medical evidence. This unconfirmed account became the foundation (Review) for a widespread myth that has endured for decades.

However, extensive scientific research has consistently debunked this myth. Studies conducted by institutions like Ohio State University in the 1970s involved feeding large quantities of poinsettia plant material to rats, equivalent to a 30-pound child eating 50 leaves, with no observed ill effects. Furthermore, a 1995 analysis of over 20,000 human poinsettia ingestions reported to poison control centers found that more than 90% of cases resulted in no symptoms, and there were no fatalities. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) considers poinsettias to have low toxicity for pets, typically causing only mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.

The myth's staying power can be attributed to several factors. The plant's name itself, "poinsettia," can sound similar to "poison" to some. Additionally, poinsettias belong to the Euphorbia family, some other members of which are indeed quite toxic (Review), leading to guilt by association. The milky sap produced by poinsettias can also cause skin or eye irritation in sensitive individuals, which might further contribute to the perception of it being harmful. Despite clear scientific evidence to the contrary, the conventional understanding of poinsettias as poisonous has been passed down through generations, making it a challenging myth to fully extinguish.