ground pine

American  

noun

1. any of several species of club moss, especially Lycopodium obscurum or L. complanatum.

2. a European herb, Ajuga chamaepitys, of the mint family, having a resinous odor.

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ground pine British  

noun

1. a hairy plant, Ajuga chamaepitys, of Europe and N Africa, having two-lipped yellow flowers marked with red spots: family Lamiaceae (labiates). It smells of pine when crushed See also bugle 2

2. any of certain North American club mosses, esp Lycopodium obscurum

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Etymology

Origin of ground pine

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ground pine

Bark, particularly finely ground pine bark, holds water and can be used as a substitute for peat moss.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2024

Garlands of graceful ground pine were wound over the banisters in the hall, and draped over the doorways to hang down halfway on each side against the ivory white wood-work.

From Entertaining Made Easy by Emily Rose Burt

Of course that stunt was voted the best and the clever divers were crowned with ground pine in lieu of laurel and treated to lollypops.

From The Campfire Girls on Ellen's Isle The Trail of the Seven Cedars by Hildegard G. (Hildegard Gertrude) Frey

Then the ground pine, the princess pine, and various nameless pretty things of the woods, all flourish in these little conservatories.

From American Woman's Home by Catharine Esther Beecher

I have just been off, all alone, foraging, and have come home bringing my sheaves with me: ground pine and red berries, with which I have made a beautiful wreath.

From The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss by George L. Prentiss