Definition

Noun: 1. A European species of hawkweed plant: "king devil" refers to a specific, invasive herbaceous plant (Hieracium praealtum, also known as Hieracium floribundum or Pilosella floribunda) that was introduced from Europe to North America. It is characterized as a troublesome weed in the regions where it has spread.

Usage Notes

• "King devil" is a common name used primarily in botany, ecology, and agriculture, especially in the northeastern United States.
• It is used to identify a specific invasive plant species that outcompetes native vegetation.
• The term is typically used in singular form ("a king devil plant") but can be used collectively for an infestation ("a field of king devil").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pasture was overrun with king devil, choking out the native grasses.
  • Botanists are studying methods to control the spread of king devil.
  • This invasive weed, commonly known as king devil, is difficult to eradicate once established.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe related concepts.
  • King devil infestation has become a major concern for local farmers.

Variants and Related Words

• Hieracium praealtum: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the species.
• Hieracium floribundum / Pilosella floribunda: Other scientific synonyms for the same plant.
• Hawkweed: The general common name for plants in the genus, to which king devil belongs.
• Invasive weed: A general descriptive term for plants like king devil.

Synonyms

• Glaucous king-devil: Another common name for the same species.
• Yellow hawkweed: A name referring to its characteristic yellow flowers (though this can refer to other similar species).
• Invasive plant / noxious weed: General terms describing its impact.

Related Phrases

• To combat king devil: To engage in efforts to control or eliminate this weed.
  • The county has a program to help landowners combat king devil.
• Infested with king devil: Describing an area heavily overgrown with this plant.
  • The meadow is infested with king devil.

Noun

1. European hawkweed introduced into northeastern United States; locally troublesome weeds