Is euphorbia deadly?

Answer by  swampy02 (145)

There are many species of euphorbia. They vary from a small garden weed type to a massive succulent cactus like plants in the southwest US. The poinsettia is actually NOT poisonous. It is an urban legend. Like any inedible plant, if it is ingested in large quantities - it will make you sick, but it is NOT poisonous.

Answer by  desrtfox (23)

Although in an extreme case that could be true, in most cases euphorbia is not a deadly plant. However, it can cause extreme inflammation. The di-terpin esters which are the toxin in the plant are known to be 100,000 times stronger the capsaicin, the element in hot peppers which causes them to burn.

Answer by  thewindrose (642)

Yes. In fact is it a species of Euphorbia that was used to make poison arrows. It can also cause rashes and blistering of the skin - sometimes with as little as a light brush of the plant.

Answer by  Sabharish (1610)

Yes euphorbia is deadly but not the whole plant is deadly. But the seeds are deadly and beware of that seeds.

Answer by  Bess2728 (682)

Euphorbia is not deadly, but it does contain a certain amount of toxicity; thus, small children and pets should avoid contact. Traditionally, the plant's sap is used as a laxative. The sap also contains a large amount of capsaicin (as found in chili peppers), and can cause severe inflammation.

Answer by  cpncrash (424)

Certain species like the pointsetta is deadly to animals if eaten. Although there are healing properties to these plant if broken down to the right componants it can be very irritating to the skin and mucus membrains. Use caution when handling.

Answer by  niki (111)

yes, sometime if it is not handle with care. it cantain latex-milky sap of spurges which act as the detterrent for herbivores. this latex contain di or tri- terpen ester, which react with mucus membrane and cause inflammation. several ester of this plants are carcinogenic also cause cancers.

Answer by  ferny (34)

All species of euphorbia contain a caustic sap, which causes irritation and inflammation on contact with skin or mucous membranes. Contact with the eyes can result in blindness. The severity depends on the species. Any euphorbia consumed in sufficient quantity, can cause deadly inflammation of the throat and stomach.

Answer by  strchild65 (74)

Euphorbia plants contain a thick poisonous sap. Depending on which Euphorbia you come across, will depend on how poisonous the plant is. The plants can cause inflammation of certain membranes, and in some cases can cause blindness.

Answer by  Elmore (124)

Euphorbia contain a poisonous, milky latex sap. Contact with the skin may cause inflammation and a blistering rash. The sap of euphorbia is a topical treatment for certain skin cancers.