grass tree

noun

: any of a genus (Xanthorrhoea) of Australian plants of the lily family with a thick woody trunk bearing a cluster of stiff linear leaves and a terminal spike of small flowers

Examples of grass tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mexican grass tree blades are long, narrow, pointed and green, while (Australian) grass tree’s head of green blades are graceful and almost luxurious looking. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2023 Try some large succulents in your landscape: Mexican grass tree (Dasylirion longissimum) is native to Hidalgo and Queretaro in Mexico, Big Bend yucca (Yucca rostrata) from Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico, grass tree (Xanthorrhoea preisii) is native to Australia. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2023 Pampas Grass Tree Courtesy of Macy’s If boho decor is more your go-to, the pampas grass tree trend has taken over big box stores and Etsy alike. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 1 Dec. 2023 Xanthorrhoea glauca Commonly known as a blue grass tree, this is an excellent feature plant that looks incredible either as a single specimen or en mass. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grass tree.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grass tree was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near grass tree

Cite this Entry

“Grass tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grass%20tree. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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