The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

• Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter.
• The colorful “flowers” of poinsettias are actually modified leaves called “bracts.”
• Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F.
• They can be grown outdoors during summer.
• Poinsettias are not poisonous, but the sap may cause dermatitis.
• You can find poinsettias around the holidays to fit into almost any decorative scheme. They range from creamy white to pink to the traditional bright red. Some varieties have bracts with patterns in red and white, pink and white, or green and white and even bright orange