canary grass
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of grass (genus Phalaris) whose seeds are commonly used as bird feed: Specifically, it refers to annual grasses, particularly Phalaris canariensis, cultivated for their small, hard seeds which are a primary component of food for caged birds like canaries and parakeets.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The farmer grows canary grass specifically to supply pet stores with birdseed.
- A diet rich in canary grass seeds helps keep finches healthy.
- The field was golden with ripe canary grass.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In botanical and agricultural writing, "canary grass" can refer to several species within the genus, some of which are also grown as forage crops for livestock.
- While Phalaris canariensis is grown for birdseed, other types of canary grass are used for hay.
Variants and Related Words
- Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea): A related perennial species, often considered invasive, used for soil stabilization and forage.
- Canary seed: The specific term for the harvested seeds of the canary grass plant, used as feed.
Synonyms
- Birdseed grass: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its primary use.
- Phalaris: The scientific genus name, used in technical contexts.
Notes on Meaning
- The term almost exclusively refers to the plant and its seeds in the context of agriculture and aviculture (bird keeping). It is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.
Noun
- Canary Islands grass; seeds used as feed for caged birds