white thistle
Noun: 1. A spiny shrub (Atriplex lentiformis or related species) with silvery-scurfy (scaly) foliage, found on alkaline plains in the southwestern United States and Mexico. This is also commonly called "quail brush" or "saltbush." 2. Any plant of the genus Argemone having large white or yellow flowers and prickly leaves, stems, and pods; chiefly of tropical America. These are more commonly known as "prickly poppies."
The term "white thistle" is a common name that refers to two distinct, unrelated plants. The specific meaning is determined by regional context and the plant's physical description. * In the context of southwestern U.S. and Mexican deserts, it typically refers to the silvery, shrubby saltbush. * In a broader or tropical American context, it typically refers to the showy, prickly poppy.
- "The white thistle provided the only shade for miles on the alkaline flat."
- "We saw a beautiful stand of white thistle, its large yellow flowers contrasting with the spiny blue-green leaves."
- Botanical Confusion: The dual meaning of "white thistle" is an example of how common names can be imprecise in botany. For accurate identification, the scientific names ( sp. or sp.) are used.
- Quail Brush: A common name for the species referred to as white thistle.
- Saltbush: The general name for plants in the genus .
- Prickly Poppy: The most common name for plants in the genus .
- For meaning 1 (shrub): quail brush, saltbush.
- For meaning 2 (flowering plant): prickly poppy, argemone.
- Desert flora: The white thistle (as saltbush) is a characteristic part of desert flora.
- Prickly plant: Both plants described as "white thistle" are notably prickly.
- spiny shrub with silvery-scurfy foliage of alkaline plains of southwestern United States and Mexico
- any plant of the genus Argemone having large white or yellow flowers and prickly leaves and stems and pods; chiefly of tropical America