common kochia; burning bush; summer cypress
An annual plant whose dried stems are traditionally used to make brooms. In autumn, its leaves turn bright red, making it popular as an ornamental plant.
秋になると、ほうきぐさが真っ赤に紅葉します。
In autumn, the kochia turns bright red.
祖母は庭でほうきぐさを育てて、枯れた茎でほうきを作っていました。
My grandmother grew kochia in her garden and made brooms from the dried stems.
Katakana spelling, often used in botanical or commercial contexts.
Kanji form; rarely used in modern writing.
From 箒 (ほうき, 'broom') + 草 (くさ, 'grass'), referring to the plant's traditional use in broom-making.