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

It has been found quite possible in short rotations to secure pasture from Japan clover without sowing it on land on which it has once grown.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Japan clover has no mission for any of the provinces of Canada, and for the reason that it has no mission for the Northern States.

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

When Japan clover is to be harvested for seed, care should be taken to prevent weeds from ripening their seeds in the same.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas