smartweed

[ smahrt-weed ]

/ ˈsmɑrtˌwid /

any of several weeds of the genus Polygonum, having a smarting, acrid juice.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1780–90; smart + weed¹

It is a near relative of knot grass and smartweed and Prince's feather.
Seed Dispersal|William J. Beal
A good yellow can be obtained by experimenting with smartweed.
Practical Basketry|Anna A. Gill
“The museum is on the next street,” remarked young Smartweed, as he rang the bell three times.
The Boy Broker|Frank A. Munsey
There are several common "weeds" belonging to this family, such as Dock, Sorrel, and Smartweed.
Field Book of Western Wild Flowers|Margaret Armstrong

Ragweed and smartweed seeds are dainties to him as some nuts are to you, and he eats a great many.
The Children's Book of Birds|Olive Thorne Miller