The poinsettia got its name from Joel R. Poinsett, who became the first American Ambassador
to Mexico in 1825. He introduced the plant to the United States on one of his trips home.
The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas
Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ Child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give
a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered up some weeds she found along the road.
As she approached the altar, a miracle happened. The weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers!
Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena – Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.