The Herbarium at the University of Georgia Poisonous Plants of Georgia
The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Spurge Euphorbia spp. L.
Family:
 Euphorbiaceae
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This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
Description:
 This group of plants is highly variable and identification is difficult. In Georgia the plants are usually perennial herbs with a milky sap. The flowers are small and occur in small cup-like structures that look like flowers themselves. The popular holiday plant, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a member of this group of plants. While poinsettia has a reputation for being incredibly toxic, clinical feeding studies with rats indicate that it is only a mild stomach irritant. Reported cases of pets ingesting this plant seem to result in vomiting or diarrhea which is not necessarily indicative of poisoning. In fact, symptoms following poinsettia ingestion by dogs and cats are similar to those symptoms associated with the ingestion of known nontoxic plants.
Toxic Part: The latex-like sap of the plant is toxic although it has been reported that the fruits and foliage of certain species act as purgatives when ingested.
Toxin: The toxicity of Euphorbia spp. is due to diterpene esters (diterpenoid diesters) specifically tigliane, daphnane, and ingenane diterpenes.
Symptoms: Contact with the sap of Euphorbia spp. may cause burning of mucosal membranes, skin irritation, conjunctiva, light induced pain when in contact with the eye, and digestive tract irritation when ingested.
Treatment: Control of the irritation is a priority in treatment. When the sap has come in contact with the eye individuals have been treated with topical antibiotics, pressure patches, and bandage contact lens.
References: 20, 24, 70, 77, 99, 148, 160, 172
This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.