How to identify Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

How to identify Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettia, also known as Painted leaf, Winter rose

Poinsettia is typically observed as a potted shrub that rarely surpasses 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in a cultivated setting. It possesses a deciduous to semi-evergreen habit, characterized by dark green leaves and particularly notable for the bright red bracts that often are mistaken for flowers. These bracts, which can vary in color from pinks to white, surround the actual flowers, which are small and yellowish-green. Its vertical stature can grow quite large in its natural habitat, reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Poinsettia

Dark green ovate leaves up to 6 inches long, exhibiting smooth or lobed edges.

Prominent red, pink, or white bracts surrounding small yellow flowers with a distinct yellow gland.

Vertical stem exuding milky sap, smooth surface, branching into lateral stems, reaching 2-3 feet tall.

Compact flower clusters resembling tiny cups, blooming during winter-spring with red or green tips.

Deciduous shrub rarely surpassing 2-3 feet, with bright red bracts often mistaken for flowers.

Detailed Traits of Poinsettia

Leaf Features

The leaves of poinsettia are large and ovate, measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. They exhibit an alternate arrangement and may feature blunt teeth on the margins. The foliage is dark green and somewhat thin, with broad, ovate shapes. Leaf edges are often smooth but can also present pointed lobes and a long, thin tip. These characteristics make the leaves visually distinctive and aid in the identification of the plant.

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of poinsettia are small, egg-shaped, and yellow, clustered above prominent bracts which are often red, pink, or white. These flowers appear at the base of the colorful bracts and feature a large yellow gland on their rim. Initially, the flowers have red or green tips that later release yellow pollen. Each flower cluster, or cyathium, is compact and resembles a tiny cup. Normally, poinsettia blooms during the winter through spring period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of poinsettia is typically green and can range from succulent to semi-woody in texture. It exudes a characteristic milky, latex-like sap when cut or damaged. The stem is often thick, robust, and may grow up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height. Branching is frequent, with lateral branches arising along the main stem, contributing to a bushy appearance. The surface of the stem is smooth, with a slightly ridged feel, crucial for identifying this plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Poinsettia and Their Similar Plants

Crown of thorns vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

Petty spurge vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.

Spotted spurge vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a low-growing summer annual that is commonly considered a weed. Spotted spurge grows in almost any open area. The stems of this species secrete a milky sap that can irritate the skin and is toxic to sheep. Spotted spurge can be controlled by digging up the plant and its roots and mulching the area to prevent regrowth. It is naturally killed by frost.

Pencil cactus vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

Devil's-backbone vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

Cypress spurge vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

The cypress spurge is an ornamental plant native to Europe. Because of its strong tendency to overrun the habitats of other species, this plant is classified as a noxious weed in various states, including Colorado. Although this plant attracts bees and other pollinators, some sections of it are hazardous and contain irritants.

Mottled spurge vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a spurge species native to tropical Asia, particularly in India. Mottled spurge is commonly planted as an ornamental species in tropical regions and grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. This species is also commonly known as dragon bones and is highly toxic if consumed.

Caper spurge vs. Poinsettia: What's The Difference?

Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is most commonly known as an invasive weed. It is considered toxic to humans and almost all species of livestock. The exception to this is that some goats can eat caper spurge without becoming ill. However, the plant's toxins will be carried into the goat's milk, making it unfit for human consumption. The toxicity has been put to use, however, in deterring moles and gophers from invading gardens.

Identify Poinsettia easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Poinsettia

Attributes of Poinsettia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

60 cm to 4 m

Spread

90 cm to 2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Flower Size

6 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

Yellow

Red

White

Pink

Cream

Green

Burgundy

Fruit Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Poinsettia

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Poinsettia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Learn More About the Poinsettia

Distribution Map of Poinsettia

The poinsettia's natural range runs from Mexico to southern Guatemala. It has been introduced to most of the world as an indoor or outdoor ornamental plant. It is found growing in tropical and subtropical forests within its region.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Poinsettia

A Comprehensive Guide to Poinsettia How to Grow and Care for Poinsettia