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What appears to be the flower on a poinsettia is actually colorful leaves. The true flower is just starting to bud out as these tiny yellow lips. Much misinformation has been spread regarding the toxicity of poinsettias. To set the matter straight:
“As many have pointed out, it is a myth that poinsettia plants are deadly poisonous if a child or pet eats the leaves (but that does not mean that the leaves should intentionally be eaten, either, since, if eaten in sufficient quantity, they can, in fact, make a human or pet at least mildly sick). But because this fact is so widely known now, people have let down their guard and allowed a new myth to take hold, as a reaction: namely, the myth that no health issues whatsoever surround the annual displaying of poinsettia plants. Only two words need be uttered to dispel the new myth: latex allergy.
The milky sap (the “latex,” if you will) that oozes from the branches can result in contact
dermatitis in some people. So unless you like to itch, avoid the sap, in case you are one of those prone to develop this rash. At the very least, be sure not to touch your eyes after touching the sap. The illnesses that some people suffer just from being around poinsettia plants (without even touching them) are worse yet (for example, difficulty in breathing). In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can result.”
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 