Burhead

/ˈbɜːhɛd/ noun

Definition

A North American aquatic plant (genus Echinodorus) with arrowhead-shaped leaves and spiky seed heads that resemble a burr.

Etymology

From burg (burr, prickly seed case) + head (the flower or seed structure). Named for the spiky, burr-like appearance of its mature seed heads.

Kelly Says

Burheads are a favorite snack for waterfowl and were eaten by Native Americans—they show how useful plants often have names that describe exactly what they look like!

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