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Japanese Poinsettia

Euphorbia heterophylla

Last reviewed: July 2026

Japanese Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla)
Photo: David E Mead / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Japanese Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CA, FL and 23 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Japanese poinsettia is an annual forb that grows 1-3 feet tall with colorful bracts that resemble its holiday namesake. It blooms from June through September and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs. Despite its common name, this plant produces small flowers surrounded by showy red and green leafy bracts.

In an HOA neighborhood

Japanese Poinsettia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Often considered a weed by HOAs
  • Can self-seed aggressively
  • May look untidy as annual dies back

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar and pollen for various small pollinators during its long blooming period. The seeds may also attract small birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Japanese Poinsettia need?
Japanese Poinsettia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Japanese Poinsettia bloom?
Japanese Poinsettia blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Japanese Poinsettia native?
Japanese Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Japanese Poinsettia HOA-friendly?
Japanese Poinsettia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Japanese Poinsettia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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