[f. imper. of TREAD v. + SOFTLY.] A name for a herbaceous perennial stinging plant (Jatropha urens var. stimulosa) of the southern United States; the spurge-nettle.
1814. Pursh, Flora Amer. Septentr., II. 602. Jatropha stimulosa … is a very injurious weed…, as it ruins the Negroes’ feet when they tread upon it; from which it is known by the name of Tread-softly.
1884. in Miller, Plant-n.
