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Xerophyllum

Xerophyllum

9.9
A small North American plant with grasslike leaves and tall flower spikes
  • noun
  • /ˌzɪəroʊˈfɪləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : xerófilo
  • The flower spikes of Xerophyllum are particularly striking during late spring and early summer.

Examples

  • Native Americans historically used the leaves of Xerophyllum for weaving baskets and mats.

  • Botanists discovered a rare Xerophyllum species growing in the alpine meadows of Montana.

  • I found a beautiful Xerophyllum plant in the forest.

  • The Xerophyllum is known for its grasslike leaves.

  • Botanists discovered a rare Xerophyllum species growing in the alpine meadows of Montana.

  • Native Americans historically used the leaves of Xerophyllum for weaving baskets and mats.

  • The flower spikes of Xerophyllum are particularly striking during late spring and early summer.

Synonyms

squaw grass
vsXerophyllum
  • Archaic
9.9

A plant from western North America with stiff grasslike leaves and spikes of creamy white flowers

is the scientific genus name used for that same plant

Compounds

Xerophyllum tenax
  • Specialized
9.9

A long-living plant from western North America with stiff grasslike leaves and spikes of creamy white flowers

Surface Forms

Xerophyllum singular
Xerophyllums plural

Etymology

Xerophyllum comes from the Greek parts xero- 'dry' and phyllon 'leaf'. So it is a handy name for a plant with stiff, grasslike leaves—literally a 'dry leaf' plant—which fits these North American herbs.