Have you ever wondered how the Poinsettia, that beautiful, bright red (and other colors) plant that is so popular at Christmas time, got its name? Since this is Christmas season I thought I would share some of the info with you so you will know how this plant became known as the poinsettia. This summer I discovered the books of Robert Morgan, an author from my neck of the woods whose stories I thoroughly enjoy reading. One such story about a bridge in this area led to my discovery of how the poinsettia got its name. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador to Mexico, appointed by President John Quincy Adams in the 1820s. Poinsett was a botanist and during his time in Mexico he discovered this beautiful plant and brought it back to his home in Greenville, SC where he propagated the plants and gave them as gifts to friends and botanical gardens. The Mexican people gave the plant a new name, poinsettia, in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett. Even though Poinsett had an outstanding career as a United States Congressman and as an ambassador he will always be remembered for introducing the poinsettia into the United States. He also later founded the institution known today as the Smithsonian Institution and held many titles during his lifetime. Some interesting facts regarding the poinsettia include the fact that its milky white sap was once used as a fever reducer and the purplish dye extracted from the leaves was used in textiles and cosmetics. Cuetlaxochitl was the name given by the Aztec’s but by the 1830’s it was known in the US by the name poinsettia. The name Poinsett is common here in this part of SC, we have the Poinsett Highway and the Poinsett Bridge among other things. I had never thought about how these places got their names nor had I wondered how the poinsettia got its name but know we all know! I sure am glad the name was changed for the plant because I am not sure I could even pronounce cuetlaxochitl without it sounding like a dirty word!
Joel Roberts Poinsett
Poinsettia
