The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false.

-Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.

-According to POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.

-A study from the Children'sHospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind.  The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

-As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.

Why send Thanksgiving flowers? 

Thanksgiving is a holiday with a long history in North America.  It is often associated with the Pilgrims of Massachusetts, but some claim the first Thanksgiving actually held on this continent took place in 1578 in Newfoundland, when English explorer Martin Frosbisher held a ceremony to give thanks for having survived his failed attempt at finding a northern passage to the Orient.  After this first celebration, other variations on Thanksgiving occurred in locales across North America.  Some were occasions for giving thanks, while others owed their origins to the harvest festivals that were common in Europe at the time.  By the lat 1800's, Thanksgiving was enshrined as a national holiday in both Canada and the United States.

For most people food is the primary focus of this holiday.  In fact, the imagery of Thanksgiving is filled with nature's bounty-gourds and squash, turkey and cranberries.  Those images often translate to your home's decor in the form of centepieces and other decorative accents.  Small gourds and pumpkins are often used to adorn the table.  Parents of young children may also add a special craft made at school.  Acorns and leaves are common ornaments.  But, flowers are often overlooked as decorative elements for the harvest table. Flowers are associated closely with other holidays-think of the lily at Easter or the poinsettia at Christmas-but the notion of Thanksgiving flowers is not as commonplace.  The vivid palette of colors that emerges in fall is ideal for a floral arrangement gift.  There is no need to limit the gift to a centerpiece.  Flower arrangements outside and in the common areas of your home add a welcoming touch that your guests will certainly appreciate on any day of the year.

Thanksgiving flowers, or fresh fall flowers, come in many varieties an colors, providing almost limitless options for arrangements.  The combination of deep autumn reds, oranges and yellows can be found in traditional Thanksgiving flowers like chrysanthemums, sunflowers and gerberas.  Others include carnations, solidago, monte casino and marigolds.  But, you are not restricted to Thanksgiving flowers only.  Roses and lilies are also available in fall colors and add a touch of classic beauty to any arrangement.  And don't forget to accent your Thanksgiving flowers with other holiday touches-wheat, acorns, oak leaves, small gourds, corn cobs  or even a pumpkin vase.

When choosing Thanksgiving flowers, keep these tips in mind:

You should use a round centerpiece for a round table and a long centerpiece for a rectangular table.

Add candles to your centerpiece to soften the mood.

If you have a large table, use a few small arrangements to complement the main centerpiece.

Many florists offer stunning wreaths made of Thanksgiving flowers and other fall accents for delivery.  A wreath for your door provides a warm welcome to your home.  Try Thanksgiving flowers or baskets as a hostess gift.  Wheter it consists of a bouquet in a traditional vase, a glass hurricane and candle, a cascading cornucopia or a beautiful arrangement in fall colors, you will be received with great thanks.

Submitted by Shane Leeth, Eufloria Flowers

-Do place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.  If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.

-Do provide room temperatures between 68-70 degrees F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.

-Do water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

-Do use a florist sleeve when transporting it.

-Do fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

-Don't place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat.  Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilationg ducts.

-Don't expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees F.  Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.

-Don't overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water.  Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering and allow the water to drain completely.

-Don't expose your plant to chillling winds when transporting it.

-Don't fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

Continue to enjoy your fresh cut flower arrangement after purchase by:

-Checking the water level as soon as possible.

-Change the water in a vase arrangement on the second day and continue with this care tip throughout the life of your arrangement.  If your arrangement is in foam, add water until foam is completely soaked.

-Place in a cool location, out of sunlight, drafts and off TV sets.

To Care for flowers that are not arranged:

-Remove all foliage from the stems below the water line, then re-cut each stem diagonally, and place in luke warm water.

To care for your Texas Grown green plant:

-The plant prefers moderate tempatures.

-Fertilize following directions on houseplant fertilizers.

-Water when plant's soil is dry to the touch.

-Remember to remove decorative containers before watering-this will allow the plant to drain.

-Light is essential for healthy plants, however, protect from direct sunlight.

Questions:  contact your local professional florist.

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