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

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

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

Japan clover Pasture Perennial Excellent for forest and old soils.

From Agriculture for Beginners Revised Edition by Burkett, Charles William

These, added to the necessary telluric conditions, give the required moisture, heat, and soil-constituents for the development of the Japan clover in the South, the same as it was originally developed in its native country.

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