1.
rapeseed; canola; field mustard
A plant of the Brassica family grown for its oil-rich seeds and as a green vegetable. Its bright yellow flowers are an iconic sight of spring in Japan.
Literally 'oil vegetable' — named because its seeds are pressed to produce cooking oil (菜種油). The plant is also known as 菜の花 (canola flower), especially when referring to the flowers or the plant as a spring symbol.
Cultural note
Fields of brilliant yellow 油菜 flowers are a beloved spring sight in Japan. 菜の花 is a seasonal word (季語) for spring in haiku. The plant is also eaten as a vegetable — the young shoots and flower buds are a spring delicacy.