Did you know that poinsettias are really a tropical plant? Dave Jackson tells me that Joel Roberts Poinsett brought the poinsettia from Mexico during the early 1800's. That is where the myths behind the poinsettia began.

"That myth arose about the same time people thought tomatoes were poisonous," said Jackson.

People thought, and still do, that the white residue, or the sap from the poinsettia is poisonous.

Many people think eating a poinsettia can kill your pets. So, what's the worst that can happen if you get a new puppy and a poinsettia this year?

"If he goes ahead and chews it, he might upset his tummy," said Jackson.

What is true about the poinsettia is that it is a very fragile plant. It requires very diligent care. And because they are tropical, they hate cold temperatures.

"When they sell them at the box store, next to the door that is going in-and-out and in-and-out, with gusts of wind blowing in, that is going to be a unhappy poinsettia when you get it home," said Jackson.

Dave says if your pointsettia is exposed to any temperatures below 55 to 60 degrees for more than an hour, it will likely be dead by the next day. For the die-hard grower, a poinsettia can be a great gift that can last up to fifteen years.

And you have more than one kind to choose from: Of course, the standard enduring red, enduring pink, and don't forget white.

But how about marble star, and maroon, and "holly leaf" strawberries and cream?

Just an endless array of colors, none of which should intimidate you.