crossword clue prickly shrub – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "prickly shrub", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue prickly shrub" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROSE: A common flowering shrub often known for its thorns.
5 Letters
BRIAR: A general term for a tangled mass of prickly shrubs, like wild roses or brambles.
7 Letters
BRAMBLE: A prickly shrub, especially a blackberry or other thorny shrub.
8 Letters
BARBERRY: A thorny shrub often used in hedging, known for its small, sour berries.
8 Letters
HAWTHORN: A thorny tree or shrub of the rose family, bearing white or pink flowers and red berries.
10 Letters
BLACKTHORN: A thorny European shrub of the rose family, bearing white flowers and small, sour, blue-black fruits (sloes).
More About "crossword clue prickly shrub"
The term "prickly shrub" is a popular one in crosswords, often hinting at a wide array of plants known for their protective features. These could range from the beloved garden rose, notorious for its sharp thorns, to wild hedgerow staples like the bramble or hawthorn. Crossword setters love these clues because they offer a blend of common knowledge and specific botanical terms.
Identifying the correct "prickly shrub" often depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting clues. Familiarity with common thorny plants such as barberry, blackthorn, or even holly (which has sharp leaves, often causing it to be described as prickly) can give you an edge. Many of these plants are not only prickly but also bear distinctive flowers or berries, providing additional context if other clues hint at these features.
Beyond being a simple descriptive term, "prickly shrub" can also evoke images of untamed nature, defensive boundaries, or even the source of traditional foods (like sloes from a blackthorn). Understanding these broader associations can sometimes help in trickier crossword puzzles where the answer might be less obvious.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required number of letters. This is the single most important constraint in crossword solving. For "prickly shrub," a 4-letter answer immediately points to ROSE, while longer counts open up options like BLACKTHORN.
- Consider Synonyms and Attributes: Think beyond the literal. "Prickly" can also mean thorny, spiny, or even sharp. A "shrub" is a woody plant smaller than a tree. Brainstorm plants that fit these broader definitions.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. If you have a few letters from an intersecting word, it dramatically narrows down the possibilities for "prickly shrub." Don't guess; use the letters you know.
- Think Common Flora: Crosswords often feature plants common in gardens, parks, or the countryside. Rose, bramble, and hawthorn are frequent visitors due to their widespread recognition.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a shrub "prickly" in crosswords?
In crosswords, a "prickly" shrub often refers to plants with thorns, spines, or sharp points, such as roses, brambles, or hawthorns. These are common answers due to their distinctive feature.
Are all thorny plants considered shrubs in crosswords?
Not necessarily. While many thorny plants are indeed shrubs (multi-stemmed woody plants), some can be trees or herbaceous plants. However, in the context of "prickly shrub," the focus is on those woody, often bushy, varieties with thorns.
How can I identify a prickly shrub from its common name for a crossword?
Look for names that explicitly or implicitly suggest sharpness, such as "rose" (with its thorns), "bramble," "hawthorn," or "blackthorn." If you're stuck, consider plants known for their defensive features in gardens or wild environments.