Spanish needles

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a composite plant, Bidens bipinnata, having achenes with downwardly barbed awns.
2. (used with a plural verb) the achenes themselves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spanish needles¹

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45; in allusion to its tropical American origin

Example Sentences

His ears and coat were plastered with autumn’s burrs and Spanish needles.

From Literature

She had been noting the Spanish needles and Black-eyed Susans which starred the dusty roadside and filled the field on the left with purest yellow, while golden-rod and wild sunflowers bloomed profusely on all sides.

From Project Gutenberg

The hills, although seemingly utterly desolate, on a nearer view sometimes reveal considerable vegetation, including yuccas or "Spanish needles," which shelter the sands from the winds.

From Project Gutenberg

I rush into a thicket after a red lily, and come out a mass of thorns and Spanish needles.

From Project Gutenberg

After a long, hard day's work, he presented himself at the back door of "Al-f-u-r-d's" home, sunburnt and hands blistered, clothing torn, full of beggars-lice and Spanish needles.

From Project Gutenberg