Luzula capitata (species of woodrush)
A small perennial plant in the rush family, native to East Asia. The name literally means 'sparrow's spear', referring to the shape of its leaves or inflorescence.
Luzula capitata blooms small brown flowers in spring.
shortawn foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis)
A grass species with short awns, also called 雀の鉄砲 (sparrow's gun). The name 雀の槍 is sometimes applied to this plant as well.
See also: スズメノテッポウ
Alopecurus aequalis is a grass species found on paddy field ridges.
Hiragana spelling, also acceptable.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is usually written in kana.
Literally 'sparrow's spear', from 雀 (sparrow) + の (possessive particle) + 槍 (spear). The name likely refers to the shape of the leaves or flower heads.