1. a shrub or small tree of the legume family, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, having curved thorns resembling a cat's claw
Usage: also called catsclaw or cat's claw; botanical name: Acacia greggii
2. any of various other plants with curved or hooked thorns or prickles
Usage: general usage

Examples

• The catclaw shrub thrives in the arid desert landscape.
• Hikers must be careful of the catclaw's sharp, curved thorns.
• Catclaw provides food and shelter for desert wildlife.
• The plant gets its name from its distinctive claw-like thorns.
• Catclaw is commonly found in Arizona and New Mexico.