Blogmas 12

 

Poinsettia

Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year.

Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettia flowers are actually made up of the bracts, which look like petals, and the tiny yellow flowers in the center, called cyathia. The colorful bracts attract insects to the flowers and will drop after pollination.ick facts

• Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter.
• The colorful “flowers” of poinsettias are actually modified leaves called “bracts.”
• Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F.
• They can be grown outdoors during summer.
• Poinsettias are not poisonous, but the sap may cause dermatitis.

Sap in poinsettia leaves is mildly toxic to pets (and children) and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling and nausea. In rare cases it can be fatal, but this is usually in young, elderly or dehydrated cats. Most pets don’t eat nearly enough of the plant for this to happen.