Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular flowering plant found in many American homes at Christmas. The poinsettia is native to southern Mexico and is named after Joel R. Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States in 1825. Poinsettias are usually red, but are also available in white, pink, peach, and a variety of other colors.