Poinsettias originally came from Mexico and Central America. The ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Montezuma, the last Aztec king, had poinsettias brought into Mexico City by caravan because the poinsettia would not grow in the high altitude.
The bright petals of poinsettias are actually leaves or bracts, and the flowers themselves are very small and yellow. The Mexican poinsettia is bright red, but poinsettias also come in cream, yellow, pink and peach. Centuries ago, the sap of the poinsettia was used to control fevers and the bracts were used to make a reddish dye. Poinsettias can grow to a height of 16' and thrive in climates where the temperature remains between 50 and 70F.
According to legend, one day near Christmas a Mexican child who was too poor to buy a present for the Christ child picked a bouquet of weeds from the side of the road to offer as a gift. When she reached the church, she went to the altar to offer the bouquet.
To her astonishment and that of all of the onlookers, the plant blossomed in red and green flowers. This was declared a Christmas miracle. From that day on, poinsettias were known as the Flowers of the Holy Night.
Today, poinsettias are the most easily recognized flower symbolic of Christmas. Poinsettias are also known as the "Christmas flower" and "Mexican flame leaf." Poinsettias are now the best selling flowering potted plant in the United States, sold mostly during a six-week period near the holidays.
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