Badgerweed

/ˈbæd.ʒɚ.wid/ noun

Definition

A plant of the genus Veronica or similar herbaceous plants that were traditionally used in folk medicine.

Etymology

Combining 'badger' (possibly referring to badger-like properties or old folk associations) with 'weed' (herbaceous plant). Folk plant names often incorporated animal names for medicinal plants.

Kelly Says

Common names for plants are wonderfully chaotic—the same plant might be called six different things depending on what region you're in, and 'badgerweed' reflects how rural communities named plants based on local animals or folklore.

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