As a history king, I can tell you that the poinsettia plant was introduced to the United States from Mexico in the early 19th century. Specifically, it is believed that the first poinsettias were brought to the United States by Joel R. Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, in the year 1828. Poinsett was an avid botanist and was fascinated by the plant's bright red leaves, which he brought back to his home in South Carolina and began to cultivate. The plant soon became popular as a Christmas decoration and remains one of the most widely recognized symbols of the holiday season.