The History of National Poinsettia Day: From Botanical Marvel to Festive Icon

Did you know that the vibrant red poinsettia, a staple of holiday décor in millions of homes, is named after a U.S. diplomat rather than a gardener or botanist? The story behind National Poinsettia Day reveals a fascinating intersection of diplomacy, botany, and cultural tradition that has elevated a simple plant into a national symbol.The Origins of the Poinsettia PlantThe poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to Mexico and Central America, where it has been known for centuries. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Aztecs, valued the plant not only for its striking red bracts—often mistaken for petals—but also for its medicinal properties. The Aztecs called it “Cuetlaxochitl” and used it to produce red dye and to treat fevers.The plant’s dramatic appearance, with its bright red and