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Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve

of Medford Leas

December 23, 2022 – Poinsettia

Did you know that Poinsettia plants come in all sizes and colors? Of course the favorite is the red color that is found all around the Community Building on the Medford Campus.

Poinsettias are native plants in Mexico, where they flower during the winter. These colorful plants are named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first Ambassador from the US to Mexico in 1825. While visiting Mexico, he was intrigued by the Poinsettia plants growing locally, and began growing them in his greenhouses in South Carolina. The Ambassador enjoyed sharing them with friends and family. The holiday tradition of sharing these plants continues on today.