prickly shrub crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "prickly shrub crossword clue", you're in the right place. We provide quick and accurate solutions, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "prickly shrub crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROSE: A very common and well-known flowering shrub, famous for its thorns, which are its prickly parts. A classic crossword answer for this clue.
5 Letters
BRIAR: Specifically refers to any thorny bush, often a wild rose or other similar prickly plant. This term is frequently used in crosswords and literature.
7 Letters
BRAMBLE: A prickly scrambling shrub, typically from the rose family, such as a blackberry or raspberry bush. This answer is an excellent fit for its distinct prickly nature.
More About "prickly shrub crossword clue"
The clue "prickly shrub" is a classic example of a descriptive crossword clue that requires you to think about plants known for their defensive features. Crossword setters love to use common garden or wild plants that have a distinctive characteristic like thorns, prickles, or spines. Solutions often vary in length, which makes it crucial to check the number of letters required in your puzzle.
Understanding the nuances of plant terminology can be a great asset in solving such clues. For instance, a 'shrub' implies a woody plant smaller than a tree, while 'prickly' immediately brings to mind thorns or sharp points. Common examples like roses, briars, and brambles perfectly fit this description, making them frequent answers. Keeping an eye out for synonyms or more specific types of thorny plants can also help.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters available in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "prickly shrub" from ROSE (4 letters) to BRAMBLE (7 letters).
- Consider Common Associations: Think about the most common plants that are both shrubs and prickly. Roses, brambles, and briars are often the first to come to mind for a reason – they're highly recognizable.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The most powerful tip! If you have a few letters from intersecting words, they can quickly reveal the correct answer, especially when multiple options for "prickly shrub" exist.
- Think of Synonyms: Sometimes the clue isn't direct. 'Thorny bush' or 'spiny plant' could also lead to similar answers. Expand your vocabulary related to plants and their features.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of 'prickly shrubs' found in crosswords?
Common answers for 'prickly shrub' in crosswords often include ROSE, BRIAR, BRAMBLE, THORN, or general terms like BUSH or HAW. These plants are widely recognized for their sharp points or thorns, making them popular choices for clues.
How can I deduce the length of a 'prickly shrub' answer?
The length of the answer can often be deduced by looking at the number of blank squares provided in the crossword grid. If the clue hints at a specific type of prickly shrub, like 'wild rose', 'rose' (4 letters) or 'briar' (5 letters) might be more suitable than a longer word like 'bramble' (7 letters). Contextual clues from intersecting words are also vital.
Are there other crossword clues related to 'prickly' plants?
Yes, clues related to 'prickly' plants are common. You might see clues for 'thorn', 'cactus', 'gorse', 'holly', or 'spiny plant'. The key is to consider words associated with sharp, defensive plant features. Always check for synonyms or specific examples of such plants.