ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Though many consumers consider the poinsettia the quintessential Christmas plant, some people (namely, pet owners and parents of young children) shy away from it for fear that it will endanger a loved one.
It's time to dispel the poinsettia toxicity myth. Research trials at Ohio State University revealed that a pet or child would need to ingest more than 500 leaves to become seriously ill. (That said, it bears repeating that poinsettias are decoration, not food, and should be kept out of reach of children and animals prone to munching on foreign objects.)
For your convenience, SAF has compiled research findings in a handy brochure, which also includes care and handling information and a bit of history about the popular yuletide plant. Print out a stack to place at checkout counters and near poinsettia displays.
Send the brochure to your local news media too. Include a personal note: "I thought your readers might find this information useful. Feel free to contact me about it. I'm always happy to share a few expert tips on holiday décor too."
Download the poinsettia brochure here.
Source: Society of American Florists
