Spanish needles

American  

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a composite plant, Bidens bipinnata, having achenes with downwardly barbed awns.

2. (used with a plural verb) the achenes themselves.

---

Etymology

Origin of Spanish needles

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45; in allusion to its tropical American origin

Example Sentences

His ears and coat were plastered with autumn’s burrs and Spanish needles.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Some of de women wore dese long striped cotton dresses an' when dey would go in de fiel' de Spanish needles an' de burrs would stick all over 'em.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Georgia Narratives, Part 2 by Work Projects Administration

I rush into a thicket after a red lily, and come out a mass of thorns and Spanish needles.

From Under the Southern Cross by Rae, John

The hills, although seemingly utterly desolate, on a nearer view sometimes reveal considerable vegetation, including yuccas or "Spanish needles," which shelter the sands from the winds.

From North America by Russell, Israel C. (Cook)

After a long, hard day's work, he presented himself at the back door of "Al-f-u-r-d's" home, sunburnt and hands blistered, clothing torn, full of beggars-lice and Spanish needles.

From Watch Yourself Go By by Warden, Ben W.