panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpa-ni-kəl 

1

: a compound racemose inflorescence see inflorescence illustration

2

: a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster

panicled

ˈpa-ni-kəld 

adjective

paniculate

pa-ˈni-kyə-lət 

pə-

adjective

Examples of panicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, there are compact cultivars of panicle hydrangeas, ninebarks and junipers. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025

For panicle and smooth hydrangeas, provide protection when temperatures are predicted to dip below 0°F. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024

Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, including panicle and smooth hydrangeas, produce flower buds on the young growth that emerges in spring. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024

However, new wood hydrangeas, like panicle and smooth hydrangeas, produce flower buds on fresh growth and can be pruned at other times of the year. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin panicula, diminutive of panus

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpan-i-kəl 

: a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers