It’s that time of year: Get ready to remind consumers that university research has proven that poinsettias are not poisonous to people and their pets. You can also alleviate their concerns about latex allergies.
To help you tackle those issues, the Society of American Florists provides members with handouts and talking points.
SAF’s Poinsettia Flier is a one-page PDF fact sheet. SAF offers two downloadable brochure options — one PDF is ready to print and distribute, the other is a Microsoft Word document with space for customization so members can add their shop information. Members can place the materials on their counter and near their poinsettia display. Members can access the Poinsettia Materials here.
Make sure you and your staff know the facts about poinsettias. Here are five key points:
- The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false
- Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.
- As with any non-food product, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that the poinsettia could be “irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.”
- According to the American Latex Allergy Association, only about 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population is allergic to latex, and “… one would have to have significant contact with the poinsettia plant’s latex directly to have an allergic reaction … only a small drop of latex that can be immediately wiped off of the skin is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.”
For more poinsettia facts to share with consumers and the media, visit SAF’s aboutflowers.com/Poinsettia.
