Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Family: Euphorbiaceae · Also called Christmas Star, Noche Buena, Star of Bethlehem, Euphorbia diversifolia, Euphorbia fastuosa, Poinsettia ignescens
Green & Fresh · Winter bloomer
The poinsettia is Christmas given botanical form, its brilliantly colored 'flowers' (actually modified leaves called bracts) in blazing red, cream, pink, or marbled combinations have become the world's most commercially important potted plant. In its native Mexico, it grows into a leggy shrub up to 15 feet tall, nothing like the compact pot plants we know.
celebration, good cheer, success
In the Victorian language of flowers, poinsettia means “Good cheer and celebration”. The Aztecs called it 'cuetlaxóchitl' and used the bracts for dye and the latex medicinally. Joel Poinsett, first US Ambassador to Mexico, brought it to America in 1828. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The Christmas association was created by the Ecke family of California, who monopolized US production for decades through a grafting secret.
Did You Know?
Poinsettias need exactly 14 hours of complete darkness per day for 6-8 weeks to turn red, even a moment of light during the dark period can prevent coloring. This is why commercial growers use blackout curtains. The 'poisonous poinsettia' myth is greatly exaggerated, a 50-pound child would need to eat over 500 leaves to reach a toxic dose.
Pacific slopes of Mexico in seasonally dry tropical forests between 3,000-6,000 ft elevation
Poinsettia is native to Mexico, Central America. It naturally grows in pacific slopes of mexico in seasonally dry tropical forests between 3,000-6,000 ft elevation.
Scent Profile
“No floral scent, the colorful 'flowers' are actually leaves (bracts). Cut stems release a milky latex with a faint, sappy smell. Poinsettia is purely a visual Christmas tradition.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameEuphorbia pulcherrima
- FamilyEuphorbiaceae
- Native ToMexico, Central America
- Bloom SeasonWinter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The Aztecs called it 'cuetlaxóchitl' and used the bracts for dye and the latex medicinally. Joel Poinsett, first US Ambassador to Mexico, brought it to America in 1828. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The Christmas association was created by the Ecke family of California, who monopolized US production for decades through a grafting secret.