For many years, I believed that poinsettias were poisonous, but according to several articles I've read, this simply isn't true.  Why would people say that a plant is poisonous when it's not?  Supposedly, back in 1919 an Army officer's two-year-old child died after eating part of the plant.  This story was unfounded, yet rumor spread.  After eight decades, still today people believe that the plant is poisonous.  (Me included.)  One article I read stated that a 50-pound child would have to consume 500-600 leaves to exceed the amounts tested that showed no toxicity.  The plant has also been tested with rats and still no adverse affects.
So, are poinsettias poisonous?  Well, I don't recommend you start putting them in your salad, but I do believe they are safe enough for us to enjoy during the holiday season.

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