silver hairgrass
A species of grass (Aira caryophyllea). Botanical term; usually written in katakana.
Silver hairgrass is a grass species native to Europe.
Katakana spelling is common for plant names; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare; the plant is usually written in kana.
The Japanese name ヌカススキ likely derives from 糠 (nuka, rice bran) and 薄 (susuki, Japanese pampas grass), referring to its resemblance to susuki but with a finer, bran-like appearance. The exact derivation is uncertain.