moss pink

noun

1. a phlox, Phlox subulata, of the eastern U.S., having showy pink to purple flowers.

moss pink

noun

1. a North American plant, Phlox subulata, forming dense mosslike mats: cultivated for its pink, white, or lavender flowers: family Polemoniaceae Also calledground pink

Word History and Origins

Origin of moss pink¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The moon will not turn pink or even look pink; instead, the moniker comes from a ground-covering plant, moss pink, that’s among the earliest bloomers in the spring.

From Los Angeles Times

The April full moon is known as the pink moon, on account of the herb moss pink, also known as wild ground phlox, according to NASA.

From Fox News

Here there was a nest of lilies of the valley; there a mat of moss pink, so bright and fresh that Rotha again stood still to admire.

From Project Gutenberg

You said it of moss pink, and lily of the valley.

From Project Gutenberg

Candytuft, dwarf phlox, stonecrop, morning glory, saxifrage, bleeding heart, rock cress, myrtle, thrift, columbine, bell flower, and moss pink.

From Project Gutenberg