The poinsettia is a staple for the winter holidays, but few may know that North Carolina is the second-largest producer of poinsettias in the United States.  “North Carolina produced about 4.2 million poinsettias in 2010 and generated cash receipts of $16.1 million,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “That’s an important part of the state’s $239 million floriculture industry, which ranks fifth nationally.”  Poinsettias are grown in greenhouses across the state under specific climatic requirements. Troxler said, “You can find locally grown poinsettias at nurseries, farmers markets, garden centers, florists and even grocery stores.”  For more information about the open houses or where to find N.C. poinsettias, go to www.ncflowers.org or www.ncfarmfresh.com.