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

Over her head were hung long clusters of moss, with masses of ground pine and red berries.

From A Budget of Christmas Tales by Charles Dickens and Others by Schayer, Julia Thompson von Stosch

He brought me this cunning little tree and all this ground pine and holly.

From Marjorie Dean, High School Freshman by Lester, Pauline

They gathered basketfuls of flowers, and long streamers of ground pine, which they made into ropes and wreaths.

From Gerda in Sweden by McDonald, Etta Austin Blaisdell

The May flowers were all dried up in the sun, and the ground pine and bear's grass were as sere and yellow as the autumn leaves.

From No and Other Stories Compiled by Uncle Humphrey by Various