2 Things You Might Not Know About Poinsettias

The colorful – usually red – parts of the poinsettia that most people think are the plant’s flowers aren’t flowers at all. They are actually groups of a type of leaf called a bract. The real flowers are in the center of each group of bracts. They are much smaller, and usually yellow.

And what about the warning that the poinsettia is highly toxic – that eating just one poinsettia leaf can kill you? Is it true? No, it’s a myth. Like many plants, poinsettias don’t taste good. So if you (or a pet) eat a couple of handfuls, you might get sick to your stomach – but not enough to require medical treatment.

(Source: Snopes and University of Illinois Extension)

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