kuma bamboo grass; Veitch's bamboo
A species of dwarf bamboo (Sasa veitchii) native to Japan, often used as ground cover or in traditional medicine. The name is usually written in kana.
I planted kuma bamboo grass in the garden.
クマザサの葉は冬に縁が白くなります。
The leaves of kuma bamboo grass develop white edges in winter.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling using 熊 (bear); less common than kana forms.
Alternate kanji spelling using 隈 (corner/shade); very rare.
The name クマザサ (kumazasa) likely derives from 隈 (kuma, 'corner' or 'shade') and 笹 (sasa, 'bamboo grass'), referring to the white-edged leaves that appear as if shaded. The exact origin is uncertain.