wire grass
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of coarse annual grass: Refers to a specific grass species characterized by finger-like spikes of flowers, native to Old World tropics and often a naturalized weed in other regions.
- A hardy North American grass: Refers to a different, perennial grass species known for its attractive foliage that turns a pale bronze color in autumn.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The field was overrun with tough wire grass.
- In the fall, the hills are covered with the beautiful bronze hue of wire grass.
Advanced Usage
- As a botanical term: Used in ecological and agricultural contexts to describe specific weedy or ornamental grass species.
- The conservation plan aims to control invasive wire grass.
Variants and Related Words
- Wiregrass: A common alternative spelling, often used as a single word.
- Cynodon dactylon: The scientific name for a common perennial grass sometimes regionally called "wire grass" or Bermuda grass.
- Aristida stricta: The scientific name for a North American bunchgrass also known as pineland threeawn or wiregrass.
Synonyms
- Bermuda grass (for one common type)
- Couch grass
- Dog's tooth grass
Notes on Different Meanings
The term "wire grass" is applied to different grass species in different regions. The primary definitions reflect two distinct common usages: 1. A weedy, annual grass of tropical origin (Eleusine indica). 2. A perennial, native North American grass prized for its autumn color (Muhlenbergia capillaris or similar species). Context (geographic or descriptive) is usually needed to determine the specific meaning.
Noun
- coarse annual grass having fingerlike spikes of flowers; native to Old World tropics; a naturalized weed elsewhere
- handsome hardy North American grass with foliage turning pale bronze in autumn