noun
Jersey cudweed; Gnaphalium affine
A common wildflower in Japan, often found in fields and roadsides. The name literally means 'mother-child grass' because of the way the flower heads cluster together.
春になると、道端にハハコグサがたくさん咲いている。
In spring, many Jersey cudweeds bloom along the roadside.
ハハコグサは、昔から七草のひとつとして親しまれてき
Jersey cudweed has long been familiar as one of the seven spring herbs.
ハハコグサ is traditionally included among the seven spring herbs, though it is less commonly eaten today.
The name 母子草 (ははこぐさ) literally means 'mother-child grass', likely from the appearance of the clustered flower heads. The exact origin is uncertain.