cuetlaxochitl

Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

With cheerful red bracts and delicate yellow flowers framed against velvety green leaves, colorful poinsettias are an indisputable symbol of Christmas. In fact, poinsettias are the most commercially important potted plant in the world because of their endearing association with the December holiday season. But how did this warm-weather shrub native to western Mexico become so closely associated with Christmas?