flower head

American  

noun

Botany.

1. an inflorescence consisting of a dense cluster of small, stalkless flowers; capitulum.

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flower head British  

noun

1. an inflorescence in which stalkless florets are crowded together at the tip of the stem

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flower head Scientific  

1. A short, dense, indeterminate inflorescence of sessile flowers, as of composite plants or clover.

2. See more at composite family

3. A very dense grouping of flower buds, as in broccoli and cauliflower.

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Etymology

Origin of flower head

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Normally the flower head of this sweet onion would be nearly solid with light green seed pods where next year’s Enriquez crop is contained.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2021

The floating flower head will accompany her throughout her journey.

From Washington Post • Jun. 18, 2021

During the rollicking song “Feed Me,” she is played by five puppeteers who manipulate oversize tendrils and a toothier flower head.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2019

Layers of soft petals make for a huge, lush flower head that resembles garden roses.

From Time • Sep. 24, 2017

Each has a pale swollen calyx, and these are, I suppose, the fingers on which the name is founded, though I find it said that it originates in the leaflets surrounding the flower head.

From Springtime and Other Essays by Darwin, Francis, Sir