Definition

Noun: 1. A small, woolly annual herb of the daisy family: Filago germanica is a species of flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae). It is characterized by its small size, dense woolly or cottony hairs covering its stems and leaves, and clusters of tiny, inconspicuous flower heads.

Usage Notes

• is the scientific (Latin) name for a specific plant species. In common English, it is often referred to by names describing its appearance, such as herba impia (literally "undutiful herb") or common cottonrose.
• This term is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, or ecological contexts. It is not a common word in everyday conversation.

Examples

• Scientific Context:

  • The dry, sandy field was populated with Filago germanica and other drought-resistant species.
  • Under the microscope, the dense hairs of Filago germanica are clearly visible.

• Descriptive Context:

  • We identified the small, woolly plant as the common cottonrose, Filago germanica.

Advanced Usage

• The name herba impia ("undutiful herb") is an old folk name derived from the plant's growth habit. Its flower heads are arranged in a way that was fancifully thought to represent younger flowers overtopping older ones, akin to children disrespecting their parents.

Variants and Related Words

• Common cottonrose: A direct English common name for .
• Herba impia: A historical folk name for this plant, directly referencing its "undutiful" appearance.
• Filago: The genus name, which includes other similar, woolly herb species.
• Cudweed: A common name for several related plants in the and genera, often sharing similar hairy characteristics.

Synonyms

• Common cottonrose
• Herba impia

Notes on Different Meanings

• There is only one primary meaning for : it refers specifically to this botanical species. It does not have other unrelated definitions.

Noun

1. (literally an undutiful herb) a variety of cotton rose