Poinsettia Plants - America's Favorite Holiday Flowers

A Nineteenth Century American Immigrantof which originate from the Paul Ecke Ranch in
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they growCalifornia.
wild, and were first introduced to the United States inAre Poinsettias Poisonous?
1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, amateur botanist andSome mistakenly believe poinsettias are poisonous.
first ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett brought someBut, researchers at Ohio State University have proved
cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets.
The rest is history. Today, National Poinsettia Day, Dec.In fact, out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures
12, commemorates Poinsett and the plant he madestudied by Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and
famous on the anniversary of his death in 1851.Carnegie Mellon University, there was no toxicity
A Charming Holiday Legendsignificance found. Even pet lovers need not ban the
The legend of the poinsettia dates back to apoinsettia from their homes. Keeping the plant out of
Christmas Eve centuries ago, when a little girl namedreach of pets is a good idea, however, to avoid
Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child. On herstomach upset from the fibrous tissues, especially
way to the church she gathered up weeds along theamong feline friends. Like most decorative blooming
road. Then, a miracle unfolded. As she approached theplants, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can
alter, the weeds bloomed into vibrant flowers -- Florescertainly cause discomfort if ingested.
de Noche Buena or Flowers of the Holy Night.Selecting the Perfect Poinsettia Plant
The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl. TheyPoinsettias range in price from under $10 to over $100,
made a reddish purple dye from the bracts. In Chilebased on size, variety, shape, quality, and decorative
and Peru, the poinsettia is known as the Crown of thetrim. When selecting poinsettias, look for plants with
Andes. Poinsettias have also been referred to as thethoroughly colored and expanded bracts, plentiful green
Flame Leaf Flower. In nature, they're a perennialfoliage, strong stems, and no signs of wilting. Care and
flowering shrub that can grow up to ten feet in height.handling is easy. Poinsettias like indirect sunlight, room
Poinsettias Todaytemperatures, and light to moderate soil moisture. Over
Today, poinsettias range in color from white to pink towatering and excessive temperatures are the most
traditional red, with shades of peach and yellow incommon causes of any problems. Simply avoid cold
between, with more than 100 varieties available. Newerdrafts, excessive heat, or soggy soil.
varieties boast marbled, flecked, and even wrinkledWith a little care, poinsettias last through Christmas and
bracts (the colored portion of the plant). They're grownbeyond, making them a terrific value, as well as a
in all fifty states, from tiny plantings, the vast majoritypopular gift and favorite holiday decoration.