squirrel corn

American  

[skwur-uhl kawrn, skwuhr-uhl] / ˈskwɜr əl ˌkɔrn, ˈskwʌr əl /

noun

1. an American plant, Dicentra canadensis, of the fumitory family, having yellow roots resembling kernels of corn, finely dissected leaves, and clusters of drooping, heart-shaped, cream-colored flowers.

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squirrel corn British  

noun

1. Also called: colicweed.  a North American plant, Dicentra canadensis , having yellow flowers and tubers resembling grains of corn: family Fumariaceae

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Etymology

Origin of squirrel corn

An Americanism first recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Spurs of the corolla short and rounded Squirrel Corn, Dicentra canadensis. 4a.

From Project Gutenberg

Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis Flowers—Irregular, greenish white tinged with rose, slightly fragrant, heart-shaped, with 2 short rounded spurs, more than 1/2 in. long, nodding on a slender Calyx of 2 scale-like sepals; corolla heart-shaped at base, consisting of 4 petals in 2 united pairs, a prominent crest on tips of inner ones; 6 stamens in 2 sets; style with 2-lobed stigma.

From Project Gutenberg

In our woods a species of dicentra, commonly called squirrel corn, has nearly the same perfume, and its racemes of nodding whitish flowers, tinged with pink, are quite as pleasing to the eye, but it is a shyer, less abundant plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Dainty little pink sacs, yellow at the mouth, hang upside down along a graceful stem, and instantly suggest the Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, bleeding heart, and climbing fumitory, to which the plant is next of kin.

From Project Gutenberg