squirrel corn

[ skwur-uhl kawrn, skwuhr-uhl ]

noun

1. an American plant, Dicentra canadensis, of the fumitory family, having yellow roots resembling kernels of corn, finely dissected leaves, and clusters of drooping, heart-shaped, cream-colored flowers.

squirrel corn

noun

1. a North American plant, Dicentra canadensis , having yellow flowers and tubers resembling grains of corn: family Fumariaceae Also calledcolicweed

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirrel corn¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Spurs of the corolla short and rounded Squirrel Corn, Dicentra canadensis. 4a.

From Project Gutenberg

Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis Flowers—Irregular, greenish white tinged with rose, slightly fragrant, heart-shaped, with 2 short rounded spurs, more than 1/2 in. long, nodding on a slender Calyx of 2 scale-like sepals; corolla heart-shaped at base, consisting of 4 petals in 2 united pairs, a prominent crest on tips of inner ones; 6 stamens in 2 sets; style with 2-lobed stigma.

From Project Gutenberg

Smaller bumblebees, unable through the shortness of their tongues to feast in a legitimate manner, may be detected nipping holes in the tips of all columbines, where the nectar is secreted, just as they do in larkspurs, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, butter and eggs, and other flowers whose deeply hidden nectaries make dining too difficult for the little rogues.

From Project Gutenberg

In our woods a species of dicentra, commonly called squirrel corn, has nearly the same perfume, and its racemes of nodding whitish flowers, tinged with pink, are quite as pleasing to the eye, but it is a shyer, less abundant plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Smaller bumblebees, unable through the shortness of their tongues to feast in a legitimate manner, may be detected nipping holes in the tips of all columbines, where the nectar is secreted, just as they do in larkspurs, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, butter and eggs, and other flowers whose deeply hidden nectaries make dining too difficult for the little rogues.

From Project Gutenberg