strawflower

noun

straw·​flow·​er ˈstrȯ-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of several plants having everlasting flowers

especially : an Australian composite herb (Xerochrysum bracteatum) widely cultivated for its brightly colored flower heads in which papery bracts resembling ray flowers surround a central disk

Illustration of strawflower

Examples of strawflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Annuals—like kochia, four-o'clock, strawflower, impatiens, moonflower, and angel's-trumpet—and perennials—like peony, bee balm, and hosta—can substitute for shrubs the first year or two. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2023

Inspired by its popular incense of the same name, the scent is a Paris meets Arizona mashup where perfumer Alexandra Monet takes plants native to the latter—cacti, strawflower, thyme—and blends them into an elegant mixture designed to trigger wanderlust. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2022

For specialty items like strawflower, go to a local floral shop. —Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 26 Oct. 2022

To create it, use florists wire to attach a mix of pink-dyed and natural bunny tail grass, strawflower, globe amaranth, and dyed flax berries to a grapevine wreath. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022

This bouquet features pink coxcomb, burgundy ruscus, blackberry millet, pink strawflower, and echinops. —Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2021

Blooms like pansies, strawflower, and zinnias, along with wispy grasses, can fill in any gaps. —Jessica Dailey, Good Housekeeping, 19 Oct. 2020

Flowers include sweet peas, cerinthe and strawflowers. —Steve Edwards, Anchorage Daily News, 5 July 2019

Flowers which air dry well include goldenrod, hydrangea, statice, strawflower, celosia, rosebuds, yarrow, globe amaranth, grass plumes, rudbeckia, bachelor's buttons, zinnias and sunflower, to name a few. —Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 4 Nov. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for strawflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower