Poinsettia -- Flowers

The colored leaves of a poinsettia are not the flowers, nor the petals of the plant; the colored leaves are more correctly called bracts.

The actual poinsettia flower is the small yellow "ball" in the middle of the colored bracts. Flowers are petal-less and often fall off indoors due to low humidity and light levels.

Removing the small flowers will not make the plant last longer, nor will it make the bracts more colorful. Flowers may be removed to limit them falling on the floor or furniture throughout the holiday.

Flowers, like the rest of the plant, are not considered poisonous. However, the poinsettia is not a food crop plant and should not be eaten.

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