pipewort (Eriocaulon cinereum)
A small aquatic or marsh plant with tiny star-like flower heads. The name 星草 literally means 'star grass'.
水田のあぜに星草が咲いていた。
Pipewort was blooming on the ridge between the rice paddies.
Standard kanji spelling for this plant name.
Katakana spelling, common in botanical contexts or when emphasizing the plant name.
Compound of 星 (hoshi, 'star') and 草 (kusa, 'grass'), referring to the plant's star-shaped flower heads.