かつては「あやめ」の呼び名が一般的でしたが、葉の形が似ている芳香と厄よけの植物「菖蒲」の字をあててから、この名で呼ばれるようになったようです。杜若とよく似ていますが、花びらの元の部分が白いのが杜若、黄色い筋が入っているのが菖蒲です。

Formerly known as "ayame," this plant acquired its name when the characters for "shobu," associated with the fragrant and purifying herb with leaves resembling its own, were assigned. Although it bears a resemblance to the "kakitsubata" (iris), the key distinguishing feature lies in the coloration of the petal base – white for the kakitsubata and featuring yellow streaks for the shobu. Over time, the association with its aromatic and protective qualities, combined with its unique floral characteristics, has given the shobu a distinct identity in both name and cultural significance.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection