In the U.S. Poinsettias are usually known as “Christmas Flowers”, and in Mexico as The Christmas Eve Flower. Along with Holly, Mistletoe, and of course, Evergreen Trees, Poinsettias are the one of the plants most associated with the Holidays. They are most commonly used in their plain red form for Christmas decorating, but the marbled version shown is called the “Jingle Bells Poinsettia”.

Oddly, the red foliage of the plant is not actually a part of the flower; it is merely colored leaves. The true flowers of the Poinsettia plant is the small green clusters at the center of the leaves; which don’t produce pollen.

The creation of the Poinsettia industry in America is all thanks to one family. Albert Ecke (after immigrating from Germany) started selling Poinsettias in America in 1900. His son developed Poinsettia grafting, and his grandson promoted it as a Holiday icon.

A well-known idea is that Poinsettias are fatal if eaten. This is completely untrue. However, if you have a sensitivity to latex, then irritation or rashes can occur after contact with Poinsettia sap.

December 12th is National Poinsettia Day, so now is the perfect time to decorate your home or office with these beautiful flowers!