Harnett County Center

CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.

PLANTS AND THE HOLIDAYS: INSEPARABLE TRADITIONS, 12/5/97

Holly, Christmas trees, poinsettias, and mistletoe. The holidays would not be complete without these traditional plants, which have roots in our state's culture, economy, and history. Have you ever wondered how they became a part of our Christmas celebrations?

The use of holly and evergreen trees to decorate houses actually originated from early Egyptian, Roman, and Druid traditions. The Christmas season coincides with the Winter Solstice, or shortest day of the year (December 21). These early cultures celebrated the Solstice as a sign that life-giving spring weather would one day return. During this time, evergreen plants were brought indoors as a symbol of the life that would return in spring.

Christmas trees are now an important part of North Carolina tradition, as well as a major contributor to our economy. In terms of number of trees harvested, North Carolina is number two in the nation, accounting for over 15% of the real Christmas trees sold in the United States.

The 2500 Christmas tree growers in our state produce a commodity worth 100 million dollars. This year, as well as eight times previously, a North Carolina tree has been chosen to adorn the White House.

The majority of NC Christmas trees, including the popular fir trees, are produced in the mountains then harvested for sale throughout the state and nation. But many growers, including a few in our own county, have choose and cut operations.

These choose and cut farms are supporting the time-honored tradition of cutting your own Christmas tree. At the choose and cut farms in our part of the state, we can find the traditional red cedar, white and Virginia pines, and the newcomer leyland cypress.

Poinsettias also brighten our homes during this special season. This plant is native to Mexico and Central America. In its natural environment, it can grow to a height of ten feet!

The plant is named for Joel Robert Poinsett, a former ambassador to Mexico. He saw the plant growing on the hillsides and was struck by its beauty. It was introduced into the United States in 1825.

Thanks to intensive breeding efforts, the present day poinsettias are available earlier and bloom longer. There are also some striking new colors.

Poinsettias, like Christmas trees, are a major crop in North Carolina. The value of the 1996 crop was 11 million dollars, making it the number one potted flowering plant. If you would like to see a beautiful site, visit one of our local greenhouse growers and take a peek at a sea of poinsettias.

Mistletoe is another tradition that survives from much earlier times. Among Celtic Druids, it was associated with rituals bestowing prosperity. In the Middle Ages, mistletoe was thought to ward off evil spirits and witches. Kissing under the mistletoe originates from early marriage ceremonies, as it was thought to bestow fertility.

Our native mistletoe is a parasitic plant which attaches to tree branches. It actually inserts its roots into the tree to get nutrients and water, and is spread by birds that eat the berries.

It's hard to imagine Christmas time without plants! Be sure to include them as part of your holiday traditions.

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