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Auburn, Dec. 7---By this time each year, many people have put their Christmas decorations up, and poinsettias are being placed in homes and businesses.

The traditional Christmas poinsettia is sold in many stores beginning in late November. With proper care, poinsettias can last until May.

When selecting poinsettias, look for healthy green foliage covering the entire stem down to the pot, says Dr. Dave Williams, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The colorful red leaves, called bracts, should be fully colored and show little green in the center of the stem. A few tiny yellow flowers should be visible at the top of the plant.

The more yellow flowers visible, the older the plant, says Williams. Buyers should look for poinsettia plants with leaves standing upright, not pointing down toward the floor.

Poinsettias are available in a variety of colors: red, white, ink and variegated.

Poinsettias are often used as dining room table decorations. Williams says the plants should be moved to the dining room just prior to the meal and at other times be kept near a window where they can get some indirect light. Keep plants moist by watering them twice a week. Cooler temperatures will help the plants keep the deep red color.

Williams says poinsettias are not poisonous but they don't taste good. If eaten by humans or pets, they may cause an upset stomach.

Source: Dr. Dave Williams, Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3032