stickseed

[ stik-seed ]

noun

1. any of the weedy plants belonging to the genus Lappula, having prickly seeds that adhere to clothing.

stickseed

/ ˈstɪkˌsiːd /

noun

1. any of various Eurasian and North American plants of the boraginaceous genus Lappula, having red-and-blue flowers and small prickly fruits Also calledbeggar's-lice

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickseed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; stick ² + seed

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickseed¹

C19: from stick ²; so called because its seeds have adhesive hooks on them