Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The term "spur" has multiple meanings. In botany, a spur is a hollow, projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx, as seen in flowers like larkspur or columbine. This botanical spur can be a significant feature for attracting pollinators like bees.12

Beyond its botanical definition, a spur can also refer to something that arouses action or activity, acting as a stimulus or incentive. In agriculture, "spur pruning" is a method used for grapevines and fruit trees. Additionally, "spur budding" is a horticultural technique involving a twig with multiple buds. The genus Euphorbia, commonly known as spurge, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants with many species exhibiting unique characteristics, including some that resemble cacti.31456

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.