self-sown

[ self-sohn ]

adjective

1. sown by itself, or without human or animal agency, as of a plant grown from seeds dropped from another plant.
2. sown by any agency other than humans, as of a plant grown from seeds scattered by birds or the wind.

self-sown

adjective

1. (of plants) growing from seed dispersed by any means other than by the agency of man or animals Alsoself-seeded

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sown¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

Dug was self-sown but Craig-Brown said that with all his subsequent research into giant potatoes, he’s ready to try and deliberately grow a record-breaking monster next season.

From Seattle Times

Doug must have been self-sown, and quite possibly growing for a couple of years or more.

From Seattle Times

Likewise, self-sown tomato seedlings that pop up in the garden next spring could carry certain pathogens, including Septoria.

From Seattle Times

As we walk the property on a cold winter’s afternoon, we see a tiny chickadee-like bird flitting through the canopy of a spindly self-sown tree.

From Washington Post

He also wrote, “Many plants in this garden are self-sown and they often provide me with excellent ideas.”

From New York Times