noun
Viola eizanensis; Ezo violet
A species of violet native to Japan, often found in mountainous areas. The name refers to Ezo (old name for Hokkaido).
See also: 叡山菫
エゾスミレは春に淡い紫色の花を咲かせる。
The Ezo violet blooms pale purple flowers in spring.
山道でエゾスミレを見つけた。
I found an Ezo violet on the mountain path.
叡山菫 (Viola eizanensis) is the same species; 蝦夷菫 is an alternative name, possibly emphasizing the Hokkaido connection.
Compound of 蝦夷 (Ezo, old name for Hokkaido) and 菫 (sumire, violet). The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it likely refers to the plant's distribution or discovery in northern Japan.