horseweed

9.4

A tall weed with narrow leaves and small yellow flowers that grows in fields and by roads

noun
/ˈhɔrsˌwid/

: hierba de caballo

The farmer struggled to control the horseweed that was overtaking his field.
horseweed (Conyza canadensis)

Examples

In the spring, the horseweed begins to bloom, adding a splash of yellow to the landscape.
For instance, in Tennessee, an estimated 0.8-2 million ha of soybean crops are infested with glyphosate-resistant horseweed (C. canadensis) (Heap 2011).

Academic text (2012)
Many gardeners find that horseweed can quickly become a nuisance if not managed properly.

Synonyms

Erigeron canadensis

vshorseweed

Specialized

9.9

A tall weed from North America that lives for one year and has narrow leaves and small yellow flower heads

is the common informal name used in fields and disturbed areas

Conyza canadensis

vshorseweed

Specialized

9.9

A common weed with narrow leaves and small yellow-green flowers that grows along roads and fields

is the general field weed description focusing on appearance and habitat rather than taxonomy

Canadian fleabane

vshorseweed

8.0

A common weed with small yellow flowers that grows along roadsides

is the scientific species label rather than a regional common name

Surface Forms

horseweed singular

horseweeds plural

Morphology

horseweed = horse + weed (transparent) = horse + weed

A straightforward compound of two common nouns; knowing 'horse' and 'weed' leads a learner to expect a type of weed associated by name with horses.

Etymology

Horseweed is literally made from horse and weed, and was likely named because this tall plant often grows in fields and places where horses live. So the name is a simple memory: it is a common tall 'weed of horses' you might see along roadsides and pastures.