hosta

noun

hos·​ta ˈhō-stə 

ˈhä-

: 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

Did you know?

There are about 40 species of hostas or plantain lilies, which are hardy perennials in the lily family, native to eastern Asia. They prefer light shade, but will grow under a variety of conditions. They are valued 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.

Examples of hosta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like hostas, ferns can also be used to cover up yellowing bulb foliage, but most grow best in damp soil and lightly shaded spots. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026

Native plants and tough perennials like daylilies, black-eyed Susans, and hostas are also great choices. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026

Peacock ginger has attractive foliage and similar growth habits to hostas. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

How to Deadhead Long-Stem Flowers on Tall Stalks These include daylilies, larkspur, foxgloves, hostas, tulips, daffodils, Oriental poppies, peonies, and irises. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, after Nicolaus Thomas Host †1834 Austrian physician and botanist

Note: The genus was named in honor of Host by the Austrian botanist Leopold Trattinnick (1764-1849) in Archiv der Gewächskunde, Band 1 (1812), p. 55.

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above