Definition

Noun 1. A perennial herbaceous plant: A South African plant, Cotula coronopifolia, naturalized in some coastal regions, characterized by small, bright yellow, button-like flower heads.

Usage Notes

• The term "brass buttons" is primarily used as the common name for this specific plant species. It functions as a singular noun when referring to the plant type or species, but can be pluralized when referring to multiple individual plants.
• It is most commonly used in botanical, horticultural, or ecological contexts.

Examples

• The wetland area was dotted with brass buttons, their yellow flowers bright against the green.
• Brass buttons is considered an invasive species in some coastal marshes.
• The gardener identified the low-growing plant with the round yellow flowers as brass buttons.

Advanced Usage

• The name is sometimes used in a descriptive, metaphorical sense to refer to objects that resemble the plant's small, round, metallic-looking flower heads.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Cotula: Another common name for the same species ().
• Buttonweed: A more general common name that can refer to plants in the genus or similar species.

Synonyms

• (Botanical name)

Different Meanings

• Literal Object: The phrase can also refer literally to buttons made from the metal alloy brass, which is a separate and more common meaning. Context is essential for distinguishing between the plant and the object.
  • Example: The soldier's uniform had shiny brass buttons.

Noun

1. South African herb with golden-yellow globose flower heads; naturalized in moist areas along coast of California; cultivated as an ornamental