Pretty As A Picture And Perfect For The Season
No matter how you pronounce "poinsettia", you know what it is. It also is one of my favorite symbols of Christmas and the Christmas season.
I can't imagine decorating for the holiday without including many poinsettias throughout my house -- they are so beautiful and versatile. I've found some great information to share with you here, I hope you enjoy it!
Poinsettia Books
Learn more about the poinsettia traditions and stories.
Poinsettia Information

Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly named poinsettia, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico, and native to the Pacific coast of the United States. The shrub occurs in some parts of central and southern Mexico, and a few localities in Guatemala. The name "poinsettia" is after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the United States in 1828. The alternative names for the poinsettia are: Mexican flame leaf, Christmas star, Winter rose, Noche Buena, Lalupatae, and Stella di Natale (in Italy).
The poinsettia grows as a shrub or small tree in the wild, typically reaching a height of 2 to 16 ft. The plant bears dark green dentate leaves that measure 3 to 6 inches in length. The top leaves, known as bracts, are flaming red, pink, or white and are often mistaken as flowers. The actual flowers are grouped within the small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, which are called cyathia.
(...from Wikipedia)
Holiday Poinsettias - Care & Growing Video
Poinsettia Jewelry
The Legend Of The Poinsettia
Live Poinsettias Are A Great Gift
National Poinsettia Day
December 12th
By an Act of Congress, December 12 is set aside as National Poinsettia Day. The purpose of the day is to enjoy the beauty of this popular holiday plant.The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited with introducing the native Mexican plant to the United States. He took cuttings from the plant and brought them back to his greenhouse in South Carolina.
Years later, William Prescott, a historian and horticulturist, was asked to give 'Euphorbia pulcherrima' a new name as it became more popular. At that time Mr. Prescott had just published a book called "The Conquest of Mexico" in which he detailed Joel Poinsett's discovery of the plant. So, Prescott named the plant the poinsettia in honor of Joel Poinsett's discovery.
Countdown to National Poinsettia Day
Poinsettia Myth Debunked
The myth is that poinsettias are toxic to humans and pets. FALSE!
For a long time I bought in to the myth that poinsettias are toxic to animals and I didn't use live ones to decorate because I own cats. Then, I decided that maybe I should do some research instead of accepting this at face value. Well, the good news for me is that the myth is 100% false. Poinsettias taste really really bad and will likely give an upset stomach to anyone or anything that eats them -- but they are not toxic. You can read the whole article here, at Snopes.com. Pretty Poinsettias For You To Wear
Quick Tips To Decorate With Poinsettias

You can use live poinsettias all over your home for wonderful finishing touches for your Christmas decorating.
- Cluster some poinsettias near your front door to greet your guests.
- Place a poinsettia on the bottom step of a staircase, off to the side.
- You can put a poinsettia either on the mantle or the hearth of your fireplace (or both!) for a lovely accent.
- Use a full, beautiful poinsettia as a centerpiece on any table. You can surround it with shiny round ornaments or pine garland. If you place any candles near the plant, be very sure that they are far enough away that their flame is not under any of the leaves.
- Put a pretty poinsettia on the counter in your bathroom for a festive holiday touch in there as well.
Video Featuring New Poinsettia Varieties
Poinsettia Gifts
Poinsettias to give or keep for yourself.
Poinsettias Guest Book
Thanks for visiting my page - I hope you enjoyed it here. Leave me a note with your thoughts or just to say hello.
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JaguarJulie
Jan 26, 2012 @ 10:25 am | delete
- It's my favorite Christmas decorative plant -- whether real or imitation.
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Dec 6, 2011 @ 3:42 pm | delete
- You did a wonderful job on this lens. I love all flowers. I truly enjoyed reading all of the information you gathered. Thanks. Merry Christmas.
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gonzalezdenise Dec 6, 2011 @ 10:42 am | delete
- very beautiful.
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jwncoexists
Dec 5, 2011 @ 10:18 pm | delete
- That is good to know that poinsettias are not toxic to animals, because I have always stayed away from them for that reason. Thanks for the education!
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wordstock
Dec 5, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
- We have a cat who likes to eat our plants so I read with some disbelief that they are not poisonous. I had always believed that to be the truth. Now that I know that, poinsettias will grace our house. We had one a long time ago that became the most beautiful tree that topped 18 feet and was wonderful when it bloomed. Thanks for the info. Angel blessed!
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