rowan; mountain ash
Refers to the tree Sorbus aucuparia, known for its red berries. In Japanese, the katakana name is standard.
The red berries of the rowan tree stand out in autumn.
ナナカマド is the native Japanese rowan (Sorbus commixta), while セイヨウナナカマド specifically refers to the European rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).
Katakana spelling is standard for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
From 西洋 (seiyō, 'Western') + ナナカマド (nanakamado, 'rowan'), referring to the European species.