Japanese foxtail
A species of grass (Alopecurus japonicus) native to Japan. Botanical term; in everyday contexts, usually written in kana.
Japanese foxtail is a weed often found on the ridges of rice paddies.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice.
Alternate kanji spelling; rarely used.
The name likely derives from 瀬戸 (seto, 'strait' or 'narrow waterway') and 茅 (kaya, 'thatch grass'), but the exact origin is uncertain.