The poinsettia is a shrub native to Mexico where it is known as “Noche Buena” meaning Christmas Eve and is a plant that is used by many as decoration during the holiday season. Credit: Botanical Gardens Conservation International.
By: Patrick Troyer, Paulding SWCD
The holidays are fast approaching along with many of the famous holiday traditions with tree decoration, family gatherings, and so much more. Many of us are likely familiar with the famous “12 Days of Christmas” song and can probably recite most of it by heart. However, do you know the 12 Plants of Christmas? Some of them you may likely already know such as holly, mistletoe, Christmas trees, and poinsettia, but do you know about others such as ivy, frankincense, myrrh, cranberry, brazil nuts, cocoa, pear trees, or the Christmas cactus? Follow along with us as we learn about some of the 12 Plants of Christmas.
Let us start with one that is familiar to many folks, holly. According to the Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), holly berries that are often used for decoration come from nearly 400 species of holly actively growing in the wild. Holly can appear as either a shrub or tree that typically have a smooth bark, small flowers, and fruit which can be either a red or black berry. Holly was used by some ancient cultures as a decoration for the holidays as it was one of the few plants during the winter that remains green. The sign of a green plant meant that winter would not last forever and that spring would come once again.
Ivy is a plant that is a native to much of Europe and western Asia that is liked because of its attractiveness to wildlife. According to BGCI, the flowers of common ivy are visited by over 70 species of nectar-feeding insects while there are around 16 bird species that like to eat the berries. This species is known for is rapidly spreading nature that grows as a climbing vine. The Missouri Botanical Garden writes that ivy will grow to heights of 6-9” but that spreads to 50-100’.
Now to everyone’s favorite, mistletoe! For centuries, mistletoe has been the sign of love, peace, and good will to all and has been used as a decoration in homes around the holiday season. Many have been caught underneath a mistletoe which is then followed by a kiss. Mistletoe is a partially parasitic plant which relies upon a host to obtain its water and nutrients for survival. According BGCI, mistletoe grows attached to or within the branches of many trees and shrubs and even though it was once considered a pest due to the fact it could kill the tree it grew on, is has now been recognized as an important species of many ecosystems. Have you ever been caught underneath the mistletoe?
The Christmas cactus is popular during the holiday season for its beautiful arrangement of pink and red flowers. Native to the coastal mountains of Brazil, this is a plant that is commonly seen growing on trees and rocks. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Christmas cactus is not actually a cactus but love the humid climate that is found in the rainforest of Brazil. That means that it is very important to keep them watered, especially around the time they flower. This species is known as an epiphyte which means that is not parasitic (obtaining nutrients from a host), but merely relies upon its host for physical support.
Poinsettia is a species that many of you likely use to decorate your home during the holiday season. This species is native to Mexico. Legend has it that the plant began being used about 400 years ago when a young girl did not have enough money to provide a Christmas gift but was inspired by an angel to get weeds growing on a roadside and place them at the altar of the church, according to BGCI. According to the University of Illinois Extension, the poinsettia was brought to the united states by Joel Roberts Poinsett who was the first ambassador to Mexico for the United States. Contrary to what many might believe, the poinsettia plant is not poisonous. A study conducted by Ohio State University concluded this fact yet that it would still be advisable to keep pets from eating them as it will affect them differently.
Of course, we must wrap up this week’s column with a favorite topic of many, chocolate!! Many have passed around chocolates during the holiday season and had desserts full of this sweet treat, but do you know where chocolate comes from? Chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean that grows on the cacao tree in the tropical regions of central and South America. Alone by themselves, the cocoa bean is chock full of antioxidants, minerals, and fiber along with many other health benefits.
What is your favorite Christmas plant or favorite holiday tradition? While we only sampled half of the 12 plants of Christmas, there are many other plants that are used during the holiday season for either decoration or to satisfy the sweet tooth such as cocoa. On behalf of the staff and board at the Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District and Ditch Maintenance, we would like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous holiday season surrounded by friends and family!
