初夏に白や紫の花を咲かせる植物で、鉄の針金のようなしっかりとした蔓を持つことから、この名が付いたといわれています。日本に入ってきたのは室町時代中期以降で、桃山時代の能装束や小袖にも、鉄線を唐草のように表現したものが残されており、江戸時代には俳句などにも詠まれています。

This plant, blooming with white or purple flowers in early summer, earned its name from its robust vines resembling iron wire. It is said to have been introduced to Japan during the mid-Muromachi period. In the Momoyama period, this plant's motif, depicted with iron-like tendrils reminiscent of arabesque patterns, appeared on Noh costumes and kosode. During the Edo period, it even found its way into haiku and other poetic expressions. The enduring presence of this floral motif in various art forms speaks to its captivating allure in Japanese cultural history.