Christmas flower poisoning; Lobster plant poisoning; Painted leaf poisoning

Eating this plant does not usually result in a trip to the hospital.

1. Rinse the mouth out with water if leaves or stems were eaten.
2. Rinse eyes with water, if needed.
3. Wash the skin of any area that appears irritated with soap and water.

Seek medical help if the person has a severe reaction.

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

This plant is not considered toxic. People usually make a full recovery.

Review Date: 05/18/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David Eltz. Previously reviewed by Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington (10/13/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)