By Dianne L. Beetler The poinsettia, a popular Christmas gift and decoration, was unknown in the United States until almost two hundred years ago. It is believed that Joel Poinsett introduced the plant to the U.S. from Mexico.
In 1825, Poinsett accepted appointment as the first U.S. minister to Mexico. During four turbulent years in that country, he spent most of his time competing with the representative of England for the confidence of the Mexican government.
The Mexicans suspected that Poinsett wanted the U.S. to annex Texas, and they demanded his recall several times.
One day, rioters threatened to attack the building where Poinsett was located. He carried the American flag outside and courageously faced the angry mob. His bravery made the rioters leave without damaging anything. Finally, the U.S. government asked Poinsett to return home. An amateur botanist, he took with him a plant he had found growing wild in Mexico. The plant attracted immediate attention, and it was named poinsettia in his honor.
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