Deathweed

/ˈdɛθwiːd/ noun

Definition

Any plant considered poisonous or deadly; a folk or folk-botanical term for toxic plants.

Etymology

From 'death' plus 'weed' (Old English weod). Descriptive folk term for plants known to be lethal, similar to 'deathroot,' used by herbalists and healers to warn of danger.

Kelly Says

In a world without warning labels, 'deathweed' in a plant name was literally the product information you needed—the plant itself announced its danger through its folk name.

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