Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves'

Names

• Family

  Euphorbiaceae.

• Synonyms

  Poinsettia, Christmas Flower, Christmas Star, Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena, Lobster Flower, Flame Leaf Flower.

• Common names

  Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves' is Poinsettia. Poinsettias are generally considered to have a low toxicity for humans. However, if ingested, the plant's sap may cause mild irritation to the mouth and stomach, possibly leading to nausea and vomiting. Contact with the skin can result in irritation, redness, and swelling. If the sap comes in contact with the eyes, it may cause pain and temporary vision blurring.

• To pets

  The common name for Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves' is Poinsettia. Poinsettias are also known to be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If a pet ingests the plant, the most common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. The milky white sap contains chemicals known as diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents, which can cause irritation in the mouth and stomach of the animal leading to the symptoms mentioned. While toxicity is generally considered mild, it is advisable to keep poinsettias out of reach of pets and monitor them for any signs of distress after coming into contact with the plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Mixed

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  9

• Native area

  Mexico

General Benefits

• Decorative Appeal: Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves', commonly known as the Poinsettia, is valued for its striking red and yellow foliage that resembles autumn leaves, adding aesthetic value to indoor and outdoor settings.
• Holiday Tradition: The Poinsettia is a traditional Christmas decoration, widely used during the holiday season to create festive environments.
• Cultivar Diversity: As a cultivar, 'Autumn Leaves' offers unique coloration, providing variety for collectors and enthusiasts seeking different types of Poinsettias.
• Psychological Benefits: Incorporating Poinsettias into décor can improve mood and create a sense of well-being during the winter months, when colorful blooms are scarce.
• Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to care for, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels to cultivate successfully.
• Educational Interest: Gardeners can learn about photoperiodism, the process that triggers the Poinsettia's color change, which is an interesting phenomenon in botany.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Autumn Leaves', commonly known as Poinsettia, can be used for creating natural dyes due to their colorful bracts.
• The Poinsettia's sap can be used as a hair dye, although it should be used with caution due to its potential skin-irritating properties.
• In some rural areas, the stems of Poinsettias are used for making small handicrafts or as a binding material in traditional crafts.
• The plant can be included in educational activities to demonstrate photoperiodism — the response of plants to the relative lengths of light and dark periods.
• Poinsettia leaves can serve as a colorful, festive mulch for garden beds during the holiday season, breaking down over time to enrich the soil.
• Their distinctive red foliage can be used as a natural indicator in pH experiments, as the red color can change shades when exposed to different pH levels.
• Poinsettia bracts can be pressed and used in art projects, such as making greeting cards or bookmarks, especially around the winter holidays.
• The plant can be used as a living seasonal decoration for aquariums, but only their leaves submerged for a festive look, and ensuring no parts are ingested by fish.
• Used in costume design, Poinsettia bracts can be fashioned into decorative elements for dresses or headpieces during Christmas plays or festivities.
• Poinsettia plants can be strategically placed in gardens to add winter interest and color, as they naturally bloom during December in the Northern Hemisphere.

Feng Shui

Poinsettia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Poinsettia is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Christmas Season: Euphorbia pulcherrima, more widely known as Poinsettia, is synonymous with the holiday season. Its vibrant bracts resemble the shape of the Star of Bethlehem and symbolize good cheer and success, while encouraging celebration.
• Christian Lore: In Christian symbolism, the Poinsettia's red color represents the blood of Christ, and the shape of the leaves, which can look like a star, symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to Jesus.
• Red leaves symbolize new beginnings and Pure love: The transformation of its leaves from green to red symbolizes new beginnings as each year closes and a new one begins, and the bright red bracts are often associated with purity and love.
• White leaves symbolize peace and hope: The rarer varieties with white bracts represent peace and hope, bringing a calm and serene message during the often hectic holiday season.
• Gift of Magi: The giving of Poinsettias during the holiday season can be seen as synonymous with the giving nature of the Magi, symbolizing a season of giving and sharing.
• Success and Celebration: The plant is often given as a gift in the belief that it will bring the receiver success and celebration, especially during the holiday season.
• Mexican Legend: According to a Mexican legend, Poinsettias sprang from the ground where a young child, too poor to provide a gift for Jesus's birthday, had wept. The plant thus symbolizes the idea that even the most modest gift, given with love, is acceptable.