The poinsettia is such an interesting plant with a rich history! It’s native to Mexico and Central America, where it’s been loved for centuries. The Aztecs called it Cuetlaxochitl and used it for practical things like making dye and medicine. For them, it also had symbolic meaning, representing purity and being part of their religious ceremonies.
There’s a lovely legend tied to Christmas that comes from Mexico. It’s about a poor child who wanted to give a gift to Jesus but had nothing to offer. The child picked some weeds, and when they were placed at the altar, they miraculously transformed into the vibrant red poinsettias we know today. This is why they’re sometimes called the “Flowers of the Holy Night.”
The plant got its more familiar name thanks to Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. In 1828, he saw the plant while traveling, fell in love with it, and sent some back to his home in South Carolina. From there, he shared it with others, and it started to catch on in the U.S. To honor him, the plant was named “poinsettia,” and there’s even a National Poinsettia Day on December 12th!
Over time, the poinsettia became a Christmas favorite, partly thanks to the Ecke family in California. They figured out how to grow and market it as the holiday plant we know today. Those bright red “flowers” you, see? They’re not actually flowers but modified leaves called bracts. The real flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the center.
Fun fact: In the wild, poinsettias can grow as tall as 16 feet! But most of us know them as those cheery potted plants that brighten up our homes during the holidays. They’re not just beautiful; they’re full of history and meaning.