Japan clover

American  

noun

1. a drought-resistant bush clover, Lespedeza striata, of the legume family, introduced to the southern Atlantic states from Asia, having numerous tiny trifoliate leaves valued for pasturage and hay.

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Etymology

Origin of Japan clover

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Japan clover

In the Southern States Japan clover and burr clover will serve the purpose of catch crops better than the other varieties.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

In some parts of the South it is known as "Japan clover," and is highly valued as a forage plant.

From Life: Its True Genesis by Wright, R. W.

In this respect it is not unlike small white clover and Japan clover, but it does not grow so well as these on poor soil.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

The ease with which Japan clover may be propagated is also a strong point in its favor.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Japan clover and burr clover will grow on almost any kind of soil, but on good soils the growth will, of course, be much more vigorous than on poor soils.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas