tithonia

[ ti-thoh-nee-uh, -thohn-yuh ]

noun

1. any of several tall composite plants of the genus Tithonia, native to Mexico and Central America, having yellow or orange-red ray flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tithonia¹

1935–40; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Tīthōn ( us ) husband of Aurora + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

They include various asclepias, tithonia, giant coneflower and the Maryland wild senna, the last a native plant deserving much more garden use.

From Washington Post

Plants in free-draining soil have grown enormous; this includes pepper plants, as well as the tithonia or Mexican sunflower, now nine feet tall and covered in bees and butterflies.

From Washington Post

The tithonia, or Mexican sunflower, is a tall but self-supporting annual with handsome, velvety gray-green leaves topped with vibrantly orange daisies.

From Washington Post

Tall annuals such as zinnias, sunflowers, tithonia and amaranth may need staking or ­ re-staking to remain upright and attractive through October.

From Washington Post

Don’t forget annuals, including sunflowers, lantana, tithonia and zinnias.

From Washington Post