richweed
Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Pilea, characterized by drooping green flower clusters and smooth, translucent stems and leaves. It is often found in moist, shaded areas. 2. An erect perennial herb with a strong scent, serrated pointed leaves, and a loose cluster of yellowish flowers. This plant is native to the eastern United States.
The word "richweed" is a common name that refers to two distinct plant species. The specific meaning is determined by botanical context. It is a countable noun (e.g., a richweed, several richweeds).
- Botanists identified the small plant in the forest understory as richweed, a member of the nettle family.
- The field guide noted that the richweed growing near the stream had particularly translucent leaves.
- In Appalachia, the strong-scented richweed is sometimes used in traditional remedies.
- The term can appear in compound nouns specifying the species, such as (for species) or .
- Clearweed: A common name for , one of the plants called richweed, referring to its translucent stems.
- Stoneroot (): The specific plant species native to the eastern U.S. that is also commonly called richweed.
- For the species: clearweed, coolwort.
- For the eastern U.S. perennial: stoneroot, horsebalm, hardhack.
The two primary meanings are: 1. Botanical (Genus Pilea): A small, moisture-loving annual herb with inconspicuous flowers. 2. Botanical (Species Collinsonia canadensis): A larger, aromatic perennial herb known for its medicinal history.
- a plants of the genus Pilea having drooping green flower clusters and smooth translucent stems and leaves
- erect perennial strong-scented with serrate pointed leaves and a loose panicle of yellowish flowers; the eastern United States