barometer bush

noun

: a compact evergreen shrub (Leucophyllum frutescens of the family Scrophulariaceae) native to Texas and adjacent northern Mexico that has grayish-green hairy leaves and solitary, bell-shaped, usually pink or purple flowers
Hope bloomed on those hardy plants, known to old-timers as barometer bushes because showers trigger their flowers.—Tracy Hobson Lehmann, San Antonio Express-News, 9 July 2011

called also cenizo, Texas sage

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barometer bush was in 1957

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Dictionary Entries Near barometer bush

barometer

barometer bush

barometer crab

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Barometer bush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barometer%20bush. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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