frostweed

[ frawst-weed, frost- ]

noun

1. a plant, Helianthemum canadense, of the rockrose family, native to eastern North America, having narrow leaves and a solitary yellow flower.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frostweed¹

1830–40, Americanism; frost + weed ¹; so called from the ice crystals which form on it during the first frosts

Example Sentences

There may be a tiny, fleeting bright side for those who live in places where something known as frostweed grows: ice flowers.

From New York Times

The common European frostweed or Helianthemum vulgare will serve to illustrate his results.

From Project Gutenberg

At the most basic level, a garden requires the presence of certain plants — such as frostweed — and the freezing of supercold water from the soil at just the right rate.

From New York Times