8. CHRISTMAS PLANT

Poinsettia pulcherrima (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

(spurge family)

TOXICITY RATING: Low.

ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected, but pets are more likely to come into contact with Poinsettia than are livestock.

DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves and stems primarily, but all parts may be toxic.

CLASS OF SIGNS: Skin, mouth, eye, and stomach irritation.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: People commonly display this potted plant (fig. 8) in houses and offices in the wintertime. These 1 to 4 feet tall plants with yellow stems bear alternate, coarsely toothed, smooth, green leaves. The top leaves turn red. Although many people mistake them for petals, they function as "bracts", calling attention to the true flowers which are tiny, yellow, and clustered at the top of the plant. The inconspicuous fruits are small, green, three-lobed, fleshy capsules.

SIGNS: The milky sap (a latex) is irritating to skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. Once considered extremely poisonous, toxicity is more likely to manifest as irritation, discomfort, rash, and stomach upset. Nausea and vomiting may occur if sufficient quantities are consumed. Typically, animals will show head-shaking, salivation, and pawing or rubbing at the mouth or eyes.

FIRST AID: Wash sap off the animal to prevent further ingestion. Call a veterinarian if the eyes are affected, or if signs do not resolve in a few minutes.

PREVENTION: Poinsettia should not be allowed near curious animals.