stickseed

[stik-seed]

noun

1. any of the weedy plants belonging to the genus Lappula, having prickly seeds that adhere to clothing.

stickseed

/ ˈstɪkˌsiːd /

noun

1. Also called: beggar's-lice. any of various Eurasian and North American plants of the boraginaceous genus Lappula, having red-and-blue flowers and small prickly fruits

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickseed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; stick ² + seed

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickseed¹

C19: from _stick ²; so called because its seeds have adhesive hooks on them

Example Sentences

Dr. Reichard seemed to care about everything, from the survival of the rare, native, showy stickseed and Wenatchee Mountain checkermallow, to the quality of the coffee cart and seating for visitors at the arboretum’s visitor center.

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Racemes without bracts at the base of each flower Stickseed, Lappula deflexa var. americana. 12a.

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A bract at the base of each flower Stickseed, Lappula echinata. 11b.

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