The Poinsettia Legend

Written By: Jeannie Chambers - The Accidental Gardener | Issue: 2015/12 - December

Whether you pronounce the name of this Christmas favorite “Poin-set-ah” or prefer “Poin-set-ee-ah,” or as some from Across the Pond say, “Poin-set-ya,” it really doesn’t matter.

This flower hails from Mexico and Central America, and has almost as many tales of origin as it does pronunciations.  In the 14-16th century, the Aztecs called it cuetlaxochitl (and you thought we have a hard time with the articulation).  The Aztecs used the milky sap as a fever reducer, and the red leaves
as a dye. 

One of the stories goes like this – A poor Mexican child wanted to give a gift to baby Jesus, but had nothing to give.  She went to the roadside and picked some weeds and carefully put them near the manger scene.  She was told that as long as she gave a gift in love, it would be regarded as a good gift.  Soon, the red and green plant grew and became a symbol
of Christmas. 

Some time in the 1820’s, a Dr. Joel Robert Poinsett from South Carolina visited Mexico as a US Ambassador.  He studied botany and was so taken with the plant that he introduced it to the United States, where it was named after him.  He’s had many other things named for him as well, such as the Poinsett Highway, and the Poinsett Hotel (now Westin), both in Greenville, South Carolina.  He also founded what became the Smithsonian Institution – he was sort of a busy guy, and aren’t we glad he took the time to look upon the Euphorbia pulcherrima.

Many confuse the flower to be the red (or pink, white, purple, or marbled) leaves, but the actual flowers are the yellow clusters at the center of the leaves (known as bracts).  Some people have had great luck keeping their Poinsettias year after year, while others prefer to pitch them out with the Christmas tree and wreaths.  

There are many good websites that can teach you the arduous task of when to give it light, when to keep it in the dark, when to fertilize, and when to water.

 The first time I ever tried was about 30 years ago.  Someone told me to put the plant in a paper sack, stick it in a closet and forget about it.  Believe me – do not try that at home unless you want a sack full of dust in the Spring.  

“Oh, was I supposed to water it?, but you said….” 

 Live and learn, trial and error – that’s what gardening is all about.

A word of caution, it’s believed that the Poinsettia plant is very poisonous to cats.  There have also been reports that humans may have an allergic reaction if they also have sensitivity to latex.

I hope that this Christmas, you’ll look at the Poinsettia a little differently and remember the poor child that gave all she had to baby Jesus – we never know which weeds become seeds. Seeds of hope, seeds of change, and seeds of love.  One small thing can become so much more. Happy Holidays!