National Poinsettia Day Timeline

​2002

Congress created National Poinsettia Day

​The House passed a measure recognizing National Poinsettia Day and the contributions of Paul Ecke, the founder of America's poinsettia industry.

​The 1600s

​Poinsettias appeared in print for the first time

​Spanish botanist Juan Balme referenced the poinsettia plant in his writings, calling them by their Aztec name, Cuitlaxochitl — meaning “star flower."

​The 1300s

​Aztecs used poinsettias

​Poinsettia plants were prized by Aztecs who produced a vibrant red dye.