stickseed

[ stik-seed ]
/ ˈstɪkˌsid /

noun

any of the weedy plants belonging to the genus Lappula, having prickly seeds that adhere to clothing.

Origin of stickseed

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; stick2 + seed

British Dictionary definitions for stickseed

stickseed
/ (ˈstɪkˌsiːd) /

noun

any of various Eurasian and North American plants of the boraginaceous genus Lappula, having red-and-blue flowers and small prickly fruits Also called: beggar's-lice

Word Origin for stickseed

C19: from stick ²; so called because its seeds have adhesive hooks on them