Prevent accidental poisoning this month. Lahontanvalleynews. December 10, 2009.Poinsettias; “The sap of the poinsettia is bitter and unpleasant, but the plant is not deadly,” says Steve Towne, Emergency Medical Services director.“That has become one of the urban legends over the years. Poinsettias are listed as a toxic plant because they will cause irritation in the mouth if ingested and possibly vomiting. This is especially true with pets as they attempt to erase the bad taste from their mouths.” [ See ]