trailing arbutus

[ trey-ling ahr-byoo-tuhs ]

noun

1. Also called arbutus,. a creeping eastern North American plant, Epigaea repens, of the heath family, having leathery, oval leaves and terminal clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers: the state flower of Massachusetts.

trailing arbutus

noun

1. a creeping evergreen ericaceous plant, Epigaea repens , of E North America, having clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers Also calledmayflower

Word History and Origins

Origin of trailing arbutus¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

She lifted a small cluster of trailing arbutus and gave it to David.

From Project Gutenberg

Little girls were not allowed to invade the grove except in early spring for trailing arbutus.

From Project Gutenberg

The trailing arbutus or may-flower of N. America, a plant with fragrant and beautiful blossoms, is Epiga repens, of the same nat.

From Project Gutenberg

She was literally a bower of trailing arbutus, as sprays of that spring flower were fastened all over her gown.

From Project Gutenberg

The trailing arbutus gave out delicate pink blossoms, and the south wind blew apart the petals of the anemone.

From Project Gutenberg