Did you know????

• Poinsettias are native to Mexico.

• Chile and Peru called the poinsettia the "Crown of the Andes."

• Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Many plants in this family ooze a milky sap.

• In nature, poinsettias are perennial flowering shrubs that can grow to ten feet tall.

• The showy colored parts of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers are actually colored bracts (modified leaves).

• Poinsettias are not poisonous. Poinsettia sap can irritate the skin and cause an upset stomach if consumed in large enough quantities.

• Ninety percent of all poinsettias are exported from the United States.

• Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett.

• December 12 is National Poinsettia Day.

• There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias.

• Poinsettias are the best selling flowering potted plant in the United States. In 2004 over 61 million plants were sold.

• Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas plant even though most are sold in a 6 week period.