noun
Jersey cudweed; Gnaphalium affine
A common wildflower in Japan, often found in fields and roadsides. The name literally means 'mother-child grass' because of the way the flower heads cluster together.
春になると、道端にハハコグサがたくさん咲いている。
In spring, many Jersey cudweeds bloom along the roadside.
ハハコグサは、昔から七草のひとつとして親しまれて
Jersey cudweed has long been familiar as one of the seven spring herbs.
Standard practical spelling; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but the word is usually written in kana; learners will mostly encounter the katakana form.
The name 母子草 (ははこぐさ) literally means 'mother-child grass', likely from the appearance of the clustered flower heads. The exact origin is uncertain.