old man's beard
The term "old man's beard" is used to describe various plants and lichens that have a white, feathery, or hair-like appearance.
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Definition
B2Botany
(common)A tree known for its ornamental and medicinal uses.
Example
- Chionanthus virginicus, also called old man's beard, is popular in gardens for its attractive flowers.
B2Botany
(regional)An Australian climbing plant with a hair-like appearance.
Example
- Clematis aristata, or old man's beard, can be found climbing over other vegetation in Australian forests.
B2Botany
(common)A climbing plant known for its fluffy, white seed heads.
Example
- Clematis vitalba, often referred to as old man's beard, is known for its invasive nature in some regions.
B2Botany
(common)A bromeliad that hangs in long, beard-like strands from trees, commonly known as Spanish moss.
Example
- Tillandsia usneoides, or old man's beard, is often seen draping over trees in the southeastern United States.
B2Botany
(common)A type of lichen found growing on trees, known for its long, hair-like appearance.
Example
- Usnea, commonly called old man's beard, is noted for its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "old man's beard":