[32] In the US, December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, marking the anniversary of Joel Roberts Poinsett's death. White poinsettias symbolize Christs purity. It was said that its milky white sap, called latex, could be used to reduce fever symptoms. To find the real (Nahuatl) name for this beautiful plant, check out the real history on my Facebook page. He became intrigued by the plant and sold them from street stands. Use arrows left and right to move between the items. The plant now known as poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is native to the pacific coast of Mexico and has an ancient history of human use. Joel Roberts Poinsett was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 2, 1779. Feb. 16, 2023, Publication date: Buist had trained at the Edinburgh garden, and he returned to Scotland in 1831 to acquire stock for his new nursery business. 1993 to document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Curators of the University of Missouri, all rights reserved, DMCA and other copyright information. To promote poinsettias as a Christmas plant, he sent thecrimson-leavedplants to TV studios across the country, including The Tonight Show and Bob Hopes holiday specials. Did you enjoy learning those facts about poinsettias? Poinsettias are often used during this day. 1121 Main Street | P.O. He gave free plants to talk shows, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which they featured on air. Poinsettias get their American name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought them to the states from Mexico in the early 1800s. 2 (March/April), Funding Agricultural Business Development With Federal and State Grants, Dairy Grazing: Genetics of the Grazing Cow, Interpretation of Laboratory Analysis of Biosolids Samples, Medical Image Data Collection & Management, Agricultural Business and Policy Extension, Exceed - Regional Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, Missouri Small Business Development Centers, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Veterinary Extension and Continuing Education, Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition, https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/stock/plants/Poinsettia-ARS.jpg, equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer. This poinsettia is so much more than a wintertime decoration, this plant has a long history, a special religious meaning, and has become a symbol of the Christmas holiday. Poinsettias were cultivated by the Aztecs of Mexico long before the introduction of Christianity to the Western Hemisphere. In Euphorbia, the flowers are reduced even more and then aggregated into an inflorescence or cluster of flowers. Now that you know the poinsettia isnt actually a flower, its interesting to think that poinsettias are one of the flowers that represent this month! The poinsettia flower, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a plant of the spurge family and is commercially important. If you see something that doesnt appear correct, please click here to contact us. This international symbol of winter cheer was first successfully grown outside its Mexican homeland by Robert and Ann Bartram Carr at the Bartrams Garden in Philadelphia. Luke 2:8-14 [14] Each year in the US, approximately 70 million poinsettias are sold in a period of six weeks, at a value of US$250 million. [9] Possibly as early as 1826, Poinsett began sending poinsettias from Mexico back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. A milky latex in the stems and leaves can be irritating to persons or animals sensitive to it, but the claim that poinsettias are deadly poisonous is greatly exaggerated. William Keating, a geologist from the University of Pennsylvania also traveled to Mexico in 1828 to prospect for American mining interests. Often these trees can reach heights up to 10 feet tall. Take a close look at the cyathia as well. The legend says that there once was a little girl from Mexico named Pepita who wanted to see the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. Welcome Center: Open Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am4:30 pm, Public Restrooms: Open MondaySaturday, 9:30 am4:30 pm. poinsettia cuetlaxochitl The Aztecs called poinsettia cuetlaxochitl (brilliant flower) and the Mayans referred to it as k'alul wits (ember flower). Which country gave the US its first poinsettia plant? National Poinsettia Day on December 12 also forms a cultural bridge between the U.S. and Mexico. He resided in Mexico from 1825 to early 1830. All content on this site is Carol G Speake (Always The Holidays) unless otherwise stated. There is a nice legend associated with it. After its introduction in Philadelphia, the poinsettia was shipped around the country during the 1800s, usually as an outdoor plant for warm climates. This article was most recently revised and updated by, Merry and Bright: 8 Jolly Christmas Plants, https://www.britannica.com/plant/poinsettia, Clemson Cooperative Extension - Home and Garden Information Center - Poinsettia, University of Minnesota Extension - Growing and caring for poinsettia, Texas A&M University - Homeculture Update - Poinsettias, National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Poinsettia protoplasts - a simple, robust and efficient system for transient gene expression studies, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Horticulture and Home Pest News - Guide to Selection and Care of Poinsettias, poinsettia - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), poinsettia - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Poinsettias grow as a perennial shrub in Mexico and parts of Central America. Like many of America's Thanksgiving staples, the poinsettia. Holidays are my favorite times of the year, because there's no feeling like celebrating with friends and family. Dont forget to check out Santas list to see if youve been naughty or nice this year. This is the most likely route for plants of the poinsettia to Bartrams Garden. [8] Carr described it as "a new Euphorbia with bright scarlet bracts or floral leaves, presented to the Bartram Collection by Mr. Poinsett, United States Minister of Mexico. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. It's a perennial shrub that was once considered a weed and will grow 10 to 15 feet tall in the wild. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Red poinsettias symbolize the blood of Christ. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it's known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower. Poinsettias have also been called the lobster flower and the flame-leaf flower, due to the red color. The Legend of the Poinsettia as a Christmas Plant, take care of poinsettias and otherChristmas plants, Poinsettia Care: How to Take Care of Poinsettia Flowers, Best Flowering Trees and Shrubs for Your Garden. Poinsettias, known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, come in hundreds of beautiful colors. Poinsettias are members of the Euphorbiaceae Family and like many plants of this family the poinsettia oozes a milky, latex sap. "[8], The poinsettia is the world's most economically important potted plant. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Plaid Bucilla Counted Cross Stitch Poinsettia & Berries Stocking Cuff Kit 2002 at the best online prices at eBay! The plants also require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. [5] Similarly, a cat or dog's exposure to poinsettias rarely necessitates medical treatment. Here you'll find recipes and craft projects to make your holidays even more special. Because of its brilliant color, the poinsettia was a symbol of purity to the Indians. Poinsettia resembled a known North American native, Euphorbia heterophylla and so for a time it was referred to under that name. This is impossible for the poinsettia was shown to the Philadelphia public in June of 1829, over six months before Poinsett returned from Mexico. A man passionate about science, Poinsett insisted that scientists be included in these global travels. Poinsettias, just like most members of the Euphorbiaceae plant family, do not like wet soil, he said. Some have even been treated with dyes, painted, or sprayed with glitter. It was named for Joel R. Poinsett, who popularized the plant and introduced it to floriculture while he was U.S. minister to Mexico in the late 1820s. Philadelphia nurserymen also used the name Poinsetts euphorbia and around 1832 Robert Buist began using Euphorbia poinsettia for the new plant. Use Esc key to go back to input search field. They brought back artifacts to display in Washington, DC (in what is now part of the Smithsonian). by. Mistletoe is poisonous to pets and can cause illness in humans. Gently firm the soil around the plant and water well. Gosh, I woulda thought the red and green colors were chosen for the same reason as chosen in European tradition- red for Christ's blood and green for eternal life- colors that had to be used symbolically at certain points because Christianity had come under such persecution. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is known all across the world as the flower of Christmas. The colored bractswhich are normally flaming red, with cultivars being orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbledare often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. They produced a fuller, more compact plant by grafting two varieties of poinsettia together. This happens if purchase through an affiliate link but the price the the same for you. [21], Poinsettias are popularly, though incorrectly, said to be toxic to humans and other animals. Conditions that promote poinsettia propagation also favor certain diseases. Keep it out of direct sun, though, which could fade the leaves. Today, Poinsettias are not only the most popular Christmas plant, but the best-selling potted plant in the United States and Canada, contributingover $250 million to the U.S. economy at the retail level. Also, look at the underside of the leaves to check for insect damage. Scientifically, the Poinsettia is known as Euphorbia pulcherrima meaning the most beautiful. and it doesnt say anywhere that poinsetas are dangerious to animals, In reply to poinsetas by robert phillips (not verified). The poinsettia flowered in Edinburgh for the first time in the spring of 1835, but imperfectly. Mexico; "Poinsettia" was the name of . Poinsettias are popular at Christmas for two reasons: being heavily advertised on television during this time, and also because of the Mexican legend about the origin of the poinsettia. . Click to see our Privacy Policy, Christmas is here, bring on the poinsettias!! Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 2022 Carol G Speake. Robert Buist, a Philadelphia nurseryman, remembered seeing the first poinsettia roots unpacked at Bartrams Garden in 1828: On my arrival in this country from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, in 1828, I paid a visit to the famed Bartram Botanic Garden, and there saw two cases of plants which had just arrived from Mexico. Ecke, who lived inCalifornia, discovereda technique which caused seedlings to branch, resulting in a fuller plant. Though often stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous[4] to pets or children. poinsettia, (Euphorbia pulcherrima), well-known member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), commonly sold as an ornamental at Christmastime. Categories Christmas, Fun Facts, Holidays. [11], The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or Mara, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. The common name we use today was believed to have been coined around 1836. The poinsettia, a red-leafed plant that appears everywhere around Christmastime, first came to the United States in the late 1820s. And the poinsettia, also known as the Christmas plant, became a symbol of Christmastime in the 16th century in its native lands now known as Mexico. Cultivated varieties are available with white, pink, mottled, and striped bracts, but the solid red varieties, in several shades, remain in greatest demand during the Christmas season. One of the noteworthy exhibits was A new Euphorbia with bright scarlet bracteas or floral leaves, presented to the Bartram collection by Mr. Poinsett, United States Minister to Mexico. There can be no doubt that this was the poinsettia, now known as Euphorbia pulcherrima. Feb. 1, 2023. His son, Paul Ecke Jr. impacted the history of poinsettias by helping the horticultural industry push for floral and nursery crops to be included in the US Department of Agricultures research budget. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of 0.6 to 4m (2.0 to 13.1ft). Looking for more inspiration for the holidays? You say poin-set-ee-uh, I say poin-set-uhbut lets call the whole thing off because the name of the ubiquitous holiday plant can be pronounced either way. The winter-blooming plant was used for medicinal purposes (from its sap) and as a source of red . Aside from the Christmas tree itself, no plant symbolizes Christmas quite like the poinsettia. As part of his mission to expand cooperation between the two countries, Poinsett shipped plants and seeds between Mexico and the United States. The plant had a long history of medicinal use. The demand for live poinsettias faces increasing criticism for being wasteful. In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. You can skip fertilizer or plant food, Trinklein said. Genetic analyses showed that the wild populations in northern Guerrero are the likely ancestors of most cultivated poinsettias. He studied anthropology, historical archaeology, and American Civilization at the University of Pennsylvania, and has written extensively on the history of Bartrams Garden and the Bartram family plant collections. Poinsettias come in many colors, including scarlet, ivory, pink and mauve. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and Central America, it is known as the Easter Flower. In his teens, he was sent to an academy in Connecticut administered by Timothy Dwight, a noted educator. [11][12] The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (at least fourteen hours at a time for 68 weeks in a row) to change color. Nicknamed Mr. Palm branches also hold meaning on Easter. Here are some more poinsettia facts for you to enjoy! One year, I took advantage of an open house at a local wholesale grower's greenhouse to view the estimated 40,000 plants they had ready to be shipped out to stores in my region. [14] All flowers in the Euphorbiaceae are unisexual (either male or female only), and they are often very small in size. Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, most commonly in southern Mexico, where they flower during the winter. Euphorbia pulcherrima is a sub-tropical plant, native to Mexico. With proper care, poinsettias stay beautiful throughout the holiday season. Find our latestdataon the rivers bacteria levels and recent rainfall. [25][26], The poinsettia occurs in North and Central America, from Mexico to southern Guatemala. But the reason poinsettias became so popular is due to Paul Ecke and his inventiveness. If that's your experience, it's time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. Thomas Say sent over a hundred varieties of seeds from Mexico, of my own collecting in a letter to Robert Carr dated July 23, 1828. Poinsett, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, held various diplomatic and political positions through his life, but always continued a strong interest in natural science and horticulture. California remainsthe top U.S. poinsettia-producing state. Euphorbia Pulcherrima, also known as Poinsettia, Christmas Flower, Winter Rose, Christmas Star, or Mexican Flame Leaf, is a species of perennial shrubs or small trees in the Euphorbiaceae family. Make sure you check out our posts on the traditions of Christmas greenery and the history of mistletoe if this topic interests you. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias available in shades of red, pink, white, and yellowsolids, streaked, marbled, and multicolored. The poinsettia is native to the tropical areas of southern Mexico and Central America, where it grows as a small tree. Tell the whole story. Call Santas phone number, or write a letter to Santas address at the North Pole! And, I woulda thought the poinsettia would've been snatched up as the perfect plant for Christmas not because of a marketing scheme, but because it was the Christmas colors. [24] It can induce asthma and allergic rhinitis in certain groups of people. FACT CHECK: Our editorial staff aims to be accurate and fair in all posts. Youll know all the history behind them, and their connection to the museum. As Christmas is quickly approaching, its the perfect time to talk about poinsettias. [5] This misconception was spread by a 1919 urban legend of a two-year-old child dying after consuming a poinsettia leaf. Head to Always the Holidays for facts about poinsettias as well as their history, origin, meaning and symbolism! Omissions? If it feels light, it may need water. Philadelphia nurseryman Robert Buist 1st sold the plant as Euphorbia poinsettia, although a German botanist had already given the plant the botanical name Euphorbia pulcherima. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Its relatively easy to tell when a poinsettia needs water, Trinklein said. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it's known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower. There, it is a deciduous flowering shrub, growing up to 10 feet in height. Specific details about its spread from there are largely unverifiable, but it was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's 1829 Philadelphia Flower Show by Colonel Robert Carr. Poinsettias were brought from Mexico to the United States through way of South Carolina by Joel Roberts Poinsett. Use Tab key to loop through the section below. It was re-discovered or at least brought to the attention of the outside world in the 1820s by an American, Joel Roberts Poinsett (1778-1851). As of 2012, wild poinsettias were not protected by Mexican law. Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more. More than 2 million of them will be sold this year, making it the largest potted flower crop grown in the United States! June 10, 2022; By: Author bloomberg fields dictionary; how tall is acrophobia at six flags These plants were highly prized by Kings Netzahualcyotl & Montezuma, but because of climatic restrictions could not be grown in their capital, which is now Mexico City. This was the first public show of the PHS, a tradition continued today as the Philadelphia Flower Show. Even thought National Poinsettia Day is observed in the United States, December 12 is also celebrated in Mexico the celebration of Lady Guadalupe. Native to Mexico, the plant is called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night) due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. Paul Ecke Jr. also went on talk shows to promote the plant. a plant, Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts. What makes this remarkable is that most poinsettias are sold between the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Calling Southwest students: paidinternshipsavailable with the river, the farm, and the trees. When Poinsett began to grow his namesake plant in Charleston after his return, it probably returned to him via the Philadelphia nursery community.. Around 1920 in southern California, a horticulturist named Paul Ecke became the next key person to promote the poinsettia. poinsettia mosaic virus - poinsettia mosaic virus (pnmv) is a. Every year in the United States, approximately 70 million poinsettias of many cultivated varieties are sold in a six-week period. This is why red and green are the colors of Christmas today. What look like petals are specialized leaves called bracts. The poinsettia's small flowers are surrounded by colorful leaves called bracts. They also used the poinsettias' milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers. According to legend, a young peasant girl picked poinsettia greens as a Christmas Eve gift for the baby Jesus. Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as Taxco del Alarcon, where they flower during the winter. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.. It is only fair. Join usyear-round to learn, make, share, and wonder. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. Event date: March 5, 2023, Event time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Event date: March 6, 2023, Event time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Event date: March 6, 2023 - April 21, 2023, Event date: March 6, 2023 - March 10, 2023, Publication date: The Countries That Make Up Central America. Oleander ( Nerium oleander ), also known as rose bay, is native to the Mediterranean region eastward to India and southern China. So, after Pepitaset the flowers at the crcheof the nativity on Christmas Eve, the angels transformed the weedsinto beautiful red flowers. Poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima) do need special care to keep bloomingand can be kept year after year to rebloom, if you give them proper care. [4] A survey of more than 20,000 calls to the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 19851992 related to poinsettia exposure showed no fatalities. Poinsettias come in over 100 different varieties, and the poinsettia meaning changes depending on the color of the plant. The young gardener, Robert Buist, returned to Europe in 1831 and found the scarlet flower was unknown. They form a circle around a cluster of small yellow flowers on the plant. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. At the time of sale, the plants growth period is over, so its need for nutrients is minimal. More than 100 species ofbirdsrely on this ecosystem. Easter lilies and dogwood trees are linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and because of this, they are two of the symbols of Easter. It is in the same family as frangipani and milkweed. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. Philadelphia, PA 19143 Legend links it with the birth of Christ and a little shepherdess named Madelon. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The holotype had been collected in Mexico during an 18031804 expedition by Alexander von Humboldt and Aim Bonpland. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. December 12, 2023. In the early 1830s Robert Buist began sending plants or cuttings of poinsettia to Europe, and particularly to his friend James McNab at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. Skin exposure to the sap may cause itchiness, redness, or swelling. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Below are some of our favorite plant themednational days: If you love trivia and want to learn more facts about all kinds of things, make sure you head to our fun facts section. It is commonly known as poinsettia after Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the United States in 1825. The third largest continent on Earth covers an area of 24.7 million km (9.5 million sq mi) and is situated in Earth's western hemisphere. Its natural habitat is thus highly fragmented, particularly near metropolitan areas such as Taxco. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [9] Cultivation in the US began when diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett sent some of the plants back to his greenhouses in South Carolina in the 1820s. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, poinsettia has become symbolic of the holiday season for many Americans. Thank you for sharing your concern about the entire story not being told. 80% of the poinsettias sold in the United States come from Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California. Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. Would you like a reminder of these poinsettia facts? Poinsettia fire - the poinsettia fire was the second most destructive of the may 2022 san diego county wildfires. Poinsett was Secretary of War and loathed Indigenous Americans, helping to force them westwards which is ironic since this plant is native to the Americas and was so important in Indian history. There is a nice legend associated with it. In addition to being an avid botanist, Joel Roberts Poinsett was very passionate about science. Always the Holidays reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. The Christmas flower, also called the poinsettia flower and the poinsettia plant, is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Overwatering is a common cause of death, so water only when the soil is dry and don't let the plant sit in water. [13], The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming. A common myth that has existed for generations is that a poinsettia's leaves are poisonous. The plant was so highly prized in Aztec culture that "Cuetlaxochitl," as the plant was . Populations were once found in rolling hill areas, though many have gone extinct. Central America The poinsettia flower is native to Central America - specifically, an area in southern Mexico called "Taxco del Alarcon" - and the plants were used by the ancient Aztecs to make a purple dye for clothing and cosmetics. In their native environment, poinsettias grow like a shrub and can reach heights of up to 15ft tall. Ambassador Poinsettia offered to buy Texas so he could reintroduce slavery into Tejas. The angels felt compassion for her plight. In their native region of southern Mexico, poinsettias flower during the winter season. As they were walking, she picked a bunch of weeds growing by the side of the road and fashioned them into a bouquet. I also love celebrating national days because, here, its Always the Holidays. The Aztecs used the poinsettia bracts to make a reddish-purple dye for fabrics and used the sap medicinally to control fevers. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can begin planting poinsettia outdoors. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. Since graduating from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Jess has been living and working in Los Angeles, CA. Find out more about Jess here. Just pin this image to one of your trivia boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later. Soon, the plants became popular across the U.S. and were renamed for Mr. Poinsett. The bill passed by Congress, specifically honors Paul Ecke Jr.s contribution to the development of the poinsettia industry, and the ways in which he positively impacted the lives of others around him. Post author: Post published: November 3, 2021 Post category: sarah khan net worth in rupees Post comments: how to enable in app purchases on ipad how to enable in app purchases on ipad The benefactor of the Smithsonian, James Smithson left his estate of $508,318 (which today is the equivalent of about $15 million) to create under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.. Congress passed a bill in 2002 making December 12, National Poinsettia Day (which is also the anniversary of Joel Roberts Poinsetts death). The poinsettia flower is native to Central America - specifically, an area in southern Mexico called "Taxco del Alarcon" - and the plants were used by the ancient Aztecs to make a purple dye for clothing and cosmetics.
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