spikeweed

plural spikeweeds

1. countableuncountableAny of several annual herbaceous plants native to California, belonging to the genus Centromadia (family Asteraceae), characterized by spiny involucral bracts and typically found in seasonally dry or disturbed habitats.

   The northern plain was formerly dominated by Casuarina trees and a carpet of Spikeweed. Once the Spikeweed had been removed, a ground cover of indigenous Little sticky seed soon developed.

   2010, Michael Samways, Peter Hitchins, Dr Orty Bourquin, Dr Jock Henwood, Tropical Island Recovery: Cousine Island, Seychelles, Wiley, page 70

   Synonyms: common spikeweed, common tarweed