9 Fun and Interesting Facts About Poinsettias

Poinsettias are known for their association with Christmas, but these fascinating flowers are so much more than a holiday symbol. Their rich and fascinating cultural history and unique features set them apart from other flowers.

In this article, we’ll cover fun and interesting facts about poinsettias that you can share to spark some conversations at your next holiday party.

Let’s dig in!

Their True Name is Cuetlaxochitl

The flowers we know as poinsettias are native to Mexico and named after colonizer Joel Poinsett. However, these flowers have a long history pre-dating their “discovery” and naturalization in the United States.

Indigenous tribes named this ancient flower Cuetlaxochitl. In modern pronunciation, that’s kwet-la-sho-she. However, language experts believe the traditional pronunciation was more like kwetla-so-cheetl in Nahuatl (the Aztec language) with a soft L at the end. Cuetlaxochitl translates roughly to “brilliant flower.”

Sharing and using the name Cuetlaxochitl is a meaningful way to share the history of this flower and honor the people who held it sacred.

Poinsettia Symbolism Pre-Dates Christmas

As the poinsettia (or Cuetlaxochitl) was considered sacred during Pagan times, it’s no surprise that this flower’s symbolism pre-dates Christmas.

Poinsettias bloom in December in Mexico, where they symbolized health and fertility. As such, they were used to decorate for winter celebrations in ancient times. Their blooming habits and use in winter celebrations were adopted in Christian celebrations in the 17th century.

Poinsettias were naturalized in the United States and marketed as Christmas flowers soon after, leading to their popularity as Christmas blooms today.

December 12 is National Poinsettia Day

Joel Poinsett died on December 12, 1851. As he was a celebrated politician and botanist in the United States, Congress named December 12 as National Poinsettia Day in his honor.

National Poinsettia Day is a great day to celebrate economic ties between the United States and Mexico and to reflect on this beautiful flower’s complex history and symbolism to the Mexican people.

Poinsettias Have Bracts, Not Petals

Poinsettias are recognized by their deep green foliage and stunning red petals—but did you know they actually don’t have petals?

The red blooms poinsettias are known for are actually bracts, not petals. These structures are closer in structure to leaves than petals and offer the benefits of both. Poinsettias are among the best-known bract flowers, even though most people are unaware of the difference.

In essence, the poinsettia’s bracts have a bold, beautiful color that attracts pollinators while adding structure that protects the reproductive structure.

Poinsettias Come in Several Colors, Not Just Red and White

While red and white poinsettias are the most popular during the holiday season, you can get these iconic flowers in several other colors.

Some poinsettia cultivars are yellow, pink, or green. You may even see marbled or variegated cultivars!

Note that while some blue poinsettias are available for purchase, these don’t occur in nature and are synthetically dyed.

Potted Poinsettias Can Last for Decades

Poinsettias are perennial plants that can last for decades with proper care. One of the longest-living potted poinsettias on record is in Nova Scotia, Canada.

A man named Frankie Alison owns the plant, which celebrated 26 years in 2022. At that point, the plant was 5.2 feet (1.6 meters) tall and nearly 15 feet (4.5 meters) around. Alison reports using this stunning poinsettia instead of a Christmas tree.

Poinsettias Trigger Latex Allergies

If you’re allergic to latex, look for a poinsettia alternative to celebrate the holidays. Poinsettias are a source of latex and will trigger these allergies.

Depending on the severity of your allergy, simply having a poinsettia in your home could trigger sneezing, watery eyes, itchiness, and other symptoms.

Poinsettias Are a Natural Fabric Dye

Indigenous tribes in Mexico used the beloved Cuetlaxochitl to dye textiles. You can also use these beautiful red blooms to dye fabric at home.

When reduced in water and used to dye silk, poinsettias produce a lovely pink shade that some crafters find more color-fast than berries for red and pink tones.

Poinsettias Are in the Guinness Book of World Records

Mexico holds the world record for the largest flower carpet. This beautiful display features 11 varieties of 126,000 poinsettias, artfully arranged to showcase a giant poinsettia from the sky.

This incredible floral display was designed to celebrate the poinsettia’s Mexican heritage and start conversations about its origins and importance to the indigenous community.

Interesting Facts About Poinsettias: A Summary

The photo featured at the top of this post is © HHelene/iStock via Getty Images