sensitive plant

noun

: any of several mimosas (especially Mimosa pudica) with leaves that fold or droop when touched

broadly : a plant responding to touch with movement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Brown spots: Basil is a sensitive plant so always protect it against frost and colder temperatures. —The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2022

The council wants the project to assess and collect seeds from the reservation’s most sensitive plant populations. —Kylie Mohr, Wired, 23 Oct. 2021

For her, the chance to save one of Utah’s approximately 300 sensitive plant species is worth it. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Oct. 2020

Another good ground cover, but with pink blooms, is the native mimosa or sensitive plant. —Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 5 Sep. 2020

Any sensitive plants should be covered or taken inside overnight to prevent frost damage, Wood said. —Sophie Carson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2020

Smith advises homeowners to remember pipes that could potentially freeze and rupture as well as covering sensitive plants. —Chelsea Hofmann, azcentral, 3 Feb. 2020

Last week, Victor Cooper, a former forest ranger in northern Australia, lit a wad of shaggy bark to demonstrate the type of fire that burns at temperatures low enough to avoid damage to sensitive plants that are crucial food for animals. —Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2020

In addition to having Insulate, blankets or other fabric ready for covering freeze-sensitive plants when a freeze is predicted, also have heat sources available for temperatures below 26 degrees. —Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 5 Dec. 2019

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Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sensitive plant

noun

: any of several mimosas with leaves that fold or droop when touched