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Selected Varieties
Jingle Bell
Winter Rose
Jingle Bell
White Star
Winter Rose
Jingle Bell
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Marco Polo
Winter Rose
Winter Rose
Winter Rose
Winter Rose
Winter Rose
History
Poinsettias have an ancient history. They are native to Central America, especially southern Mexico where they thrive on moist, wooded ravines and rocky hillsides. The ancient Aztecs called the plants cuetlaxochitl and used them medicinally and decoratively. Poinsettias were so valued that the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma, had caravans bring them into what is now Mexico City because they did not grow in the high altitude. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico, is credited with bringing poinsettias to the U.S. in 1825. Poinsettias are named for him.
There are more than one hundred varieties of poinsettias and their colors range from traditional red, to white, pink, burgundy, marbled, and speckled. They are part of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family. Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia pulcherrima. The poinsettia is one of America's most commercially profitable potted plants.
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not deadly to humans or animals. Research at Ohio State University showed no toxicity at levels that would exceed the amounts likely to be ingested in the home environment. As with many household items, care should be used when handling poinsettias.
