Assembly Resolution No. 475

BY: M. of A. Miller

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
December 12, 2023, as Poinsettia Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to celebrate and
recognize the poinsettia and the beauty and pleasure the flowering plant
has brought to the residents of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 12, 2023, as
Poinsettia Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Poinsettia Day; and

WHEREAS, The vibrant red, and sometimes green or white, poinsettia
symbolizes the Christmas season and the miracle it represents in the
United States and other countries; and

WHEREAS, Poinsettias are the best-selling potted flowering plant in
the United States, with the majority of the plant's abundant sales
happening during the six weeks before Christmas; and

WHEREAS, A nationally treasured flower, the name poinsettia emerged
after the United States botanist, Joel Roberts Poinsett, became the
first United States ambassador to Mexico; in 1826, the Ambassador
discovered the eye-catching plant and sent some back to the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Over time, Joel Poinsett and his team successfully
cultivated poinsettias at his South Carolina greenhouses; today, the
plant is now bred into dozens of different colors and shapes and is a
vital product in the Nation's economy; and

WHEREAS, Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family
and there are more than 100 varieties in colors such as the traditional
red, white, pink, burgundy, marbled, and speckled; and

WHEREAS, The Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 70 percent of
all poinsettias purchased in the United states and also covers 50
percent of the world-wide sales; and

WHEREAS, Poinsettia Day in New York State is meant to call for
awareness of and recognition of the importance of the poinsettia plant
to New York's heritage and economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 12, 2023, as
Poinsettia Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Poinsettia Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.