Briza Maxima (Big Quaking Grass) コバンソウ（小判草）

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

They're spikelets of big quaking grass (Briza maxima). This is BIG because they're bigger than lesser quaking-grass (Briza minor). When seeing them for the first time, I thought they were some bugs. Its Japanese name is "koban sou," which translates to "old Japanese gold coin plant." Old gold coins in Japan were oval, shaped like these spikelets.

2026/4/22

Lesser Quaking-Grass (Briza Minor) ヒメコバンソウ（姫小判草）

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

Lesser quaking-grass (Briza minor) is native to Europe and came to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The plant produces spikelets form April to June, which are very tiny and cute but are so small that you wouldn't normally notice them. According to the internet, the spikelets produce a rattling sound when shaken or when wind passes through them. Next time I find them, I'll shake them, of course, gently. 

2026/4/17