Flower Spotlight: Poinsettia

Poinsettias are a part of the Euphorbiaceae, or Spurge, family and have been around since the 1830s. With over 100 variants in many colors, Poinsettias are a beautiful plant traditionally associated with the Christmas holiday. Keep reading to learn more about their origin, meaning, and some interesting facts! 

Origin

Poinsettias are native to Central America, but especially Mexico. US Ambassador to Mexico and botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett discovered and introduced them to the US. Named after their founder, Poinsettias have also been called lobster flower and flame-leaf flower because of their vibrant red color. While they’re most known for their red color, Poinsettias actually also come in white, pink, burgundy, marbled, and speckled. 

The association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend about a young girl who had no means for a Christmas gift so she picked some weeds and laid them at the altar of her church. The legend says that the weeds suddenly blossomed into beautiful red flowers—Poinsettias. They’re still popular around Christmas today, with more than 35 million potted Poinsettias sold every year in the US.

Facts

• Ancient Aztecs used Poinsettia leaves to make a purple dye for clothes and cosmetics. They also used its milky white sap to make a medicine used to treat fevers. 
• December 12th is National Poinsettia Day, honoring the founder, Joel Roberts Poinsett on the day of his death.
• The red parts of the Poinsettias are actually petal-like leaves called bracts. 
• Poinsettia can grow up to 12 feet in the wild. 

Meanings

Poinsettias have many meanings and symbolize many things. They are believed to symbolize success, good cheer, and purity, fitting for a Christmas flower. They’re the birth flower of December, making them perfect to send for all occasions in December. Vibrant and bright, Poinsettias make the perfect addition to any room. Be sure to ask your local florist to use Poinsettias the next time you send flowers!