riverside willow; rosegold pussy willow
Refers to Salix gracilistyla, a willow species found along riversides, known for its silvery catkins. Often compared to 猫柳 (Salix discolor).
See also: ネコヤナギ
In spring, the riverside willow begins to bloom.
Salix gilgiana (willow species)
Only when written 川柳
A specific willow species, Salix gilgiana. Usually written in kana as カワヤナギ in botanical contexts. Restricted to the 川柳 kanji form.
Salix gilgiana is a type of willow found on Japanese riverbanks.
high-quality coarse tea
Only when written 川柳
A type of coarse tea, historically associated with the 川柳 kanji. This sense is rare and may be encountered in older texts or specialized tea contexts.
During the Edo period, a coarse tea called 川柳 was drunk.
Standard kanji spelling for the willow species and the tea sense.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Katakana spelling, often used in botanical contexts.
The name 川柳 (かわやなぎ) literally means 'river willow,' reflecting its natural habitat. The kanji 柳 means 'willow.' The alternate spellings 川楊 and 楊柳 are less common. The tea sense likely derives from a historical association with the willow plant or a place name.