What is "bear's breech"

alt. 1 Any of two common species of acanthus, ''Acanthus mollis'' and, less frequently, (taxlink Acanthus spinosus species noshow=1). 2 Any species of the genus ''Acanthus''. 3 (context rare English) A species of hogweed, ''Heracleum sphondylium'' n. 1 Any of two common species of acanthus, ''Acanthus mollis'' and, less frequently, (taxlink Acanthus spinosus species noshow=1). 2 Any species of the genus ''Acanthus''. 3 (context rare English) A species of hogweed, ''Heracleum sphondylium''

n. widely cultivated southern European acanthus with whitish purple-veined flowers [syn: bear's breeches, sea holly, Acanthus mollis]