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Onopordum

Onopordum

9.9
A prickly plant from Europe and Asia with large purple flowers that grows in dry open grasslands
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Onopordum
  • One common species of Onopordum is known for its striking purple flowers and spiny leaves.

Examples

  • The Onopordum plants thrive in dry, open grasslands across Europe and western Asia.

  • Botanists classified the invasive cotton thistle under the genus Onopordum.

  • The Onopordum plants thrive in dry, rocky soils.

  • Have you seen the Onopordums blooming in the garden?

  • One common species of Onopordum is known for its striking purple flowers and spiny leaves.

  • Botanists classified the invasive cotton thistle under the genus Onopordum.

  • The Onopordum plants thrive in dry, open grasslands across Europe and western Asia.

Synonyms

Onopordon
vsOnopordum
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant like a thistle with prickly leaves and large purple flowers

has identical meaning but uses the other standard spelling

Compounds

Onopordum acanthium
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall prickly plant with pale purple flowers that lives for two years

Surface Forms

Onopordum singular
Onopordums plural

Etymology

Onopordum comes from Greek parts: onos meaning 'donkey' and pordos which may mean a 'fart' or bad 'smell', so a helpful way to remember it is 'donkey thistle'. This fits the plant because Onopordum species are large, woolly, prickly thistles often found in fields and open places.