houstonia

[ hoo-stoh-nee-uh ]

noun

1. any North American plant, belonging to the genus Houstonia, of the madder family, especially H. caerulea, the common bluet.

houstonia

/ huːˈstəʊnɪə /

noun

1. any small North American rubiaceous plant of the genus Houstonia, having blue, white, or purple flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of houstonia¹

1755–65; < New Latin, named after Dr. W. Houston (died 1733), British botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of houstonia¹

C19: named after Dr. William Houston (died 1733), Scottish botanist

Example Sentences

Our houstonia and hepatica would probably become a deep blue in that country.

From Project Gutenberg

And the creeping, round-leaved houstonia was here, with a superfluity of a weedy blue sage (Salvia lyrata).

From Project Gutenberg

It is prettier than the violet, and larger and deeper colored than our houstonia.

From Project Gutenberg

That sociablest of flowers, the little Houstonia, was very abundant.

From Project Gutenberg

In another locality I might have brought him dwarf cornel, or the houstonia, or wood-sorrel, or the evening-primrose.

From Project Gutenberg