Ditchbur

/ˈdɪtʃbɜr/ noun

Definition

A prickly or burry plant that grows in or beside ditches, such as burdock or cocklebur.

Etymology

Compound from 'ditch' and 'bur' (or 'burr'), describing plants with seed pods covered in hooks or spines that naturally grow in ditchy, wet habitats.

Kelly Says

Ditchburs like cockleburs inspired the invention of Velcro—a Swiss engineer noticed how the burrs clung to his dog's fur and wondered if he could replicate that sticking power!

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