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scarlet bugler

scarlet bugler

9.9
A plant with bright red tube-shaped flowers in small clusters at the top of stems
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : penstemon escarlata
  • Hummingbirds are attracted to the scarlet bugler because of its tubular blossoms.

Examples

  • The scarlet bugler is commonly found growing along the sunny slopes of central California.

  • Gardeners prize the scarlet bugler for its vibrant display of red flowers each spring.

  • The scarlet bugler blooms beautifully in the summer.

  • Many gardeners love the scarlet bugler for its vibrant color.

  • Gardeners prize the scarlet bugler for its vibrant display of red flowers each spring.

  • Hummingbirds are attracted to the scarlet bugler because of its tubular blossoms.

  • The scarlet bugler is commonly found growing along the sunny slopes of central California.

Synonyms

Penstemon centranthifolius
vsscarlet bugler
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that lives many years with bright red tube-shaped flowers in long clusters on tall stems

is not described as having long clusters

Surface Forms

Morphology

scarlet + bugler

This is a lexicalized plant name whose specific meaning ('a plant with bright red tubular flowers') cannot be predicted from knowing 'scarlet' (red) and 'bugler' (normally a person who plays a bugle). A B1 learner who knows the constituents would likely misinterpret 'bugler' or assume a person/instrument sense, so the overall meaning is idiomatic/nonce and not transparently compositional.

Etymology

Scarlet bugler gets its name from the look of the flowers: scarlet means 'red', and bugler refers to the tube-shaped blossoms that look like tiny 'trumpets'. That's why the name helps you remember it is a plant with bright red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds.