hosta

hos·ta

noun \ˈhō-stə, ˈhä-\

Definition of HOSTA

: any of a genus (Hosta) of Asian perennial herbaceous plants of the lily family with densely growing basal leaves and tall racemes of white or violet flowers —called also funkia, plantain lily

Origin of HOSTA

New Latin, from Nicolaus Host †1834 Austrian botanist

First Known Use: 1930

Rhymes with HOSTA

costa, Rasta

hosta

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of about 40 species of hardy herbaceous perennials, also called plantain lily, of the genus Hosta, in the agave family (Agavaceae), native to eastern Asia. They prefer light shade but will grow under a variety of conditions. They are frequently grown for their conspicuous foliage, which may be light to dark green, yellow, blue, or variegated. The ribbed leaves grow in a cluster at the base, and stalks bearing clusters of tubular white or bluish-purple flowers emerge from the leaves.