Painted Leaf Poinsettia
Euphorbia cyathophora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Painted Leaf Poinsettia is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AR, FL, GA, IA and 16 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Painted Leaf Poinsettia is a native Texas annual that produces colorful red and green bracts from summer through fall, resembling its holiday cousin. This adaptable wildflower thrives in full sun and provides months of vibrant color with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Painted Leaf Poinsettia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Requires seasonal replanting
- May have messy dieback
Wildlife value
Supports butterflies and bees with nectar from its small flowers during its extended bloom period from June through November.
Common questions
- How much sun does Painted Leaf Poinsettia need?
- Painted Leaf Poinsettia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Painted Leaf Poinsettia bloom?
- Painted Leaf Poinsettia blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Painted Leaf Poinsettia native?
- Painted Leaf Poinsettia (Euphorbia cyathophora) is native to AR, FL, GA, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Painted Leaf Poinsettia toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Painted Leaf Poinsettia is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Painted Leaf Poinsettia toxic to cats?
- Yes. Painted Leaf Poinsettia is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Painted Leaf Poinsettia attract?
- Painted Leaf Poinsettia draws butterflies and bees.
- Is Painted Leaf Poinsettia HOA-friendly?
- Painted Leaf Poinsettia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Painted Leaf Poinsettia and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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