water willow

noun

any of several plants belonging to the genus Justicia, of the acanthus family, growing in water or wet places, especially J. americana, of North America, having clusters of pale violet to white flowers.

Origin of water willow

First recorded in 1575–85

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

In a general way, I have a mind as round as a ball, and a character fresh as a water-willow.
Diderot and the Encyclopdists | John Morley
His list includes several species which are not native, and his water willow (Dianthera americana) is an herbaceous plant.
Trees of Indiana | Charles Clemon Deam
“water willow,” a portrait of Mrs. Morris is specially interesting because the river landscape behind represents Kelmscott.
Rossetti | Lucien Pissarro
For instance the water willow when peeled proves a very good material.
The Library of Work and Play: Needlecraft | Effie Archer Archer
The grace and elegance of the water-willow and the white birch were not for him.
A Man for the Ages | Irving Bacheller

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