Red, green, white — even pink! — poinsettias shine at this time of year. Like holly and ivy, poinsettias have earned a place in Christmas decorations because of their cheerful color during winter.

There are all sorts of myths surrounding poinsettias. One I believed (and worried over, since I have a curious cat!) was that they’re poisonous. While the poinsettia’s sap is mildly toxic, it’s usually described as “irritating” and “overblown.” A child would have to eat a pretty big poinsettia plant to feel effects, and most pets will simply throw up the poison. So, while it’s worth worrying over a little, it’s certainly not the most dangerous plant we’ve covered on this site!

Another myth that’s pretty common — and, I think, commonly dispelled — is that poinsettias have red petals. Actually, those lovely colors are the leaves of the plant. 🙂 Technically, poinsettia flowers are the little yellow buds hidden among the leaves.

And despite other holiday myths about the origins of poinsettias, they actually come from Mexico. Long ago, the Aztecs used poinsettias for dye and medicine. By the 1600s, missionaries and priests began using poinsettias in Christmas displays. And in the 1800s, Joel Roberts Poinsett — both a botanist and the American ambassador to Mexico — introduced the plant to the US. (Stuff You Missed in History Class did a great podcast episode on him here!)

Today, most poinsettias are grown in California, and over 100 variants are available. And while in some places in South America they are known as the “crown of the Andes,” in Mexico they are also called the “flower of the Holy Night” — that is, Christmas Eve. Look at that — perfect timing! 🙂 Here’s hoping everyone is having a lovely holiday!

Selected Sources

A great growing guide from the University of Minnesota: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/poinsettia

The ASPCA’s page on poinsettias and toxicity to pets: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/poinsettia

Lots of fun facts and a timeline here: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm