noun
Hemisteptia lyrata (a species of thistle)
A species of thistle native to East Asia. The name literally means 'fox thistle'. Usually written in katakana as キツネアザミ.
春になると、道端にキツネアザミが咲いているのを見かけます。
In spring, you can see Hemisteptia lyrata blooming along the roadside.
アザミ is the general term for thistles, while キツネアザミ refers specifically to Hemisteptia lyrata.
Compound of 狐 (kitsune, 'fox') and 薊 (azami, 'thistle'). The exact reason for the 'fox' association is uncertain.