Definition

Noun: 1. A flowering plant: "Princess feather" is the common name for a specific annual plant, Persicaria orientalis (formerly Polygonum orientale). It is characterized by its broad, ovate leaves and long, slender, drooping spikes of small crimson or pink flowers.

Usage

• "Princess feather" is used as a singular noun to refer to the plant species. It is often used in gardening, horticulture, and botanical contexts.
• Example: "The princess feather adds a beautiful vertical element to the garden with its drooping crimson spikes."

Examples

• "I planted some princess feather in my backyard to attract butterflies."
• "The delicate flowers of the princess feather swayed gently in the breeze."
• "This garden bed features several annuals, including princess feather and zinnias."

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in a literal, botanical sense. It is not commonly used in figurative language or idioms.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate: Another common name for the same plant ().
• Prince's feather: A very similar and sometimes confused common name for a related plant, .
• Persicaria: The genus name for this plant and its relatives.
• Smartweed: A common name for other plants in the genus.

Synonyms

• Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate (n): A direct synonym as a common plant name.
• Oriental persicaria (n): A more formal botanical name.

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Princess feather" refers specifically to this plant species. It is not typically used to describe an actual feather belonging to a princess, nor is it a standard heraldic or decorative term. For those concepts, phrases like "a princess's plume" or "feather adornment" would be more appropriate.

Noun

1. annual with broadly ovate leaves and slender drooping spikes of crimson flowers; southeastern Asia and Australia; naturalized in North America