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

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

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

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

"That reminds me that we are greatly troubled with Japan clover on those slopes," said Mr. West.

From The Story of the Soil; from the Basis of Absolute Science and Real Life, by Hopkins, Cyril G. (Cyril George)

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