Euphorbia pulcherrima
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-ah pul-cher-REE-mah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Poinsettias are a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the spurge family, hence the presence of milky sap in the stems and leaves. A well-known Christmas ornamental, the Poinsettia is a deciduous shrub with large, alternate leaves that may or may not have teeth on the margin. The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom during the Christmas season and cluster above showy red, pink, or cream leafy bracts. A large yellow gland on the rim of the "flower" adds to its decorative appeal.
The plant was brought to the United States from it's native habitat in Mexico in the early 1800's by Joel Poinsette, who was ambassador to Mexico at the time. Today, the plant is typically grown as a potted plant and holds the largest share of potted plant sales during the Christmas season. In its native habitat, the plant can grow to 10 feet high; however, as a potted houseplant, it rarely exceeds 2 to 3 feet. When grown in pots, avoid wet feet and water the poinsettia only when the soil is dry.
To propagate poinsettias use stem cuttings in early summer with rooting hormones and potting mix that has peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Poinsettia plants are not poisonous and studies have shown that a significant amount of the plant would have to be ingested before registering a mild stomach ache. However, while not poisonous, the white sap can cause reactions in people who have latex allergies.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs, red spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Overwatering can cause root and stem rot.
VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Ingram McCall, Research Specialist at NC State University
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- pulcherrima
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Western Mexico
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Black
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Cup-shaped inconspicuous tiny yellow "flowers" cluster above the showy red, pink, or cream leafy bracts. A large yellow gland appears on the rim of the "flower". Seasonal bloomer but most often grown to bloom in winter through spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Denticulate
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Large, ovate alternate leaves, with or without blunt teeth on the margin.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems contain a milky sap.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- Causes occasional abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Redness, swelling, and blisters can occur after some delay following frequent contact with skin. CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Diterpene esters in milky latex
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems