Christmas flower's origins get new attention

SANTA FE, New Mexico: Like Christmas trees, Santa and reindeer, the poinsettia has long been a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday season in the US and across Europe.

But now, nearly 200 years after the plant with the bright crimson leaves was introduced in the US, attention is once again turning to the poinsettia's origins and the checkered history of its namesake, a slave owner and lawmaker who played a part in the forced removal of Native Americans from their land. Some people would now rather call the plant by the name of its Indigenous origin in southern Mexico.

Register to unlock this article

Register to read this story and more for free.

Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience.

Continue

OR

See our subscription options.

Already have an account? Log in here