The poinsettia, which is a popular, colorful winter holiday plant, dates back to the Aztecs during the 15th century. Celebrate the season by learning these surprising facts about this festive plant known for its vibrant color.

• Poinsettias are native to Mexico where they are known as “La Flor de la Nochebuena” or “Flower of Christmas Eve.”
• Poinsettia Day is celebrated on December 12 to commemorate Joel Roberts Poinsett—the U.S. ambassador who introduced the plant to the United States in the early 19th century.
• Poinsettias are also popular in Mexico on December 12, where the plants are used during the celebration of the Lady of Guadalupe.
• In the United States, poinsettias were named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, which is the reason the plant name is sometimes capitalized.
• Euphorbia heterophylla is Florida’s native poinsettia plant.
• Poinsettias aren’t poisonous or toxic, but the latex in poinsettia sap may cause irritation to those with latex allergies.
• Although the poinsettia is called the lobster flower and the flame-flower because of its red color, the red parts of poinsettias are actually petal-like leaves called bracts.
• Poinsettias can grow up to 12 feet tall in the wild.
• There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias with bracts in an array of colors including white, orange, and purple.
• Poinsettias are the best-selling plotted plants in the United States and the most popular Christmas plants.

Adapted and excerpted from:

E. Seltzer, “Poinsettia Facts,” University of Illinois Extension (Accessed 12/2014).

“Poinsettias,” UF/IFAS Extension (Accessed 12/2014).

“Poinsettia Fun Facts,” UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension (Accessed 12/2014).

“The Meaning of Poinsettias,” EPA Blog (12/2012).

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