bitterweed

noun

bit·​ter·​weed ˈbi-tər-ˌwēd 

: any of several American plants containing a bitter substance: such as

a

: either of two ragweeds:

(1)

: a low-growing common ragweed (Ambrosia artemissiifolia)

(2)

: horseweed

b

: an annual yellow-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium amarum synonym H. tenuifolium)

c

: an erect annual composite herb (Hymenoxys odorata) of the southwestern U.S. that has yellow flowers and is poisonous to livestock

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above