1.
wisteria
A climbing vine with cascading clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers. Wisteria is a beloved symbol of late spring in Japan.
藤 refers to wisteria.
Common expressions:
- 藤棚 (wisteria trellis/arbor)
- 藤色 (light purple, wisteria color)
- 藤の花 (wisteria flowers)
- 藤紫 (wisteria purple)
Counter: 株 (for the plant itself)
Cultural note:
Wisteria blooms in late April to early May. Famous wisteria viewing spots include Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi), Kawachi Wisteria Garden (Fukuoka), and Kasuga Taisha (Nara). The 藤 family crest (藤の紋) was used by the powerful Fujiwara clan. 藤 is also a common element in Japanese surnames like 藤田, 藤井, 佐藤, etc.