Snow-on-the-mountain (Noun)
Meaning
Annual spurge of western United States having showy white-bracted flower clusters and very poisonous milk.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Snow-on-the-mountain, also known as Euphorbia marginata, can be identified by its white bracts that resemble snow and very toxic milky sap.
- Hikers need to exercise extreme caution around the snow-on-the-mountain plants in the western United States to avoid exposure to its poisonous milk.
- A large cluster of snow-on-the-mountain blooms appeared suddenly on the trail after the brief rainstorm in July.
- Botanists researching western U.S. flora frequently include the snow-on-the-mountain due to its distinct and hazardous properties.
- Some mistake snow-on-the-mountain flowers as non-poisonous and therefore risk serious health issues by handling the plants improperly.