The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera); an aquatic plant with large leaves and flowers, often called 'hasu' in Japanese.
池に白いはすの花が咲いている。
White lotus flowers are blooming in the pond.
仏教でははすの花が純潔の象徴とされる。
In Buddhism, the lotus is regarded as a symbol of purity.
夏祭りで飾られたはすの葉が涼しげだ。
Lotus leaves decorated at the summer festival look refreshing.
Sometimes used to refer to the rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), though usage varies by region/context.
庭には古いはすの木（ムクゲ）がある。
There is an old rose of Sharon (mukuge) tree in the garden.
地方によっては、はすと言うとムクゲを指すこともある。
In some regions, 'hasu' can refer to the rose of Sharon.