noun
fireweed; rosebay willowherb
A tall perennial wildflower with pink-purple spikes, common in open and disturbed areas. The katakana name ヤナギラン is the usual form.
北海道の夏には、あちこちでヤナギランが咲いている。
In Hokkaido in summer, fireweed blooms here and there.
From 柳 (yanagi, 'willow') + 蘭 (ran, 'orchid'), referring to the willow-like leaves and orchid-like flowers. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.