JAPAN CLOVER OR KING GRASS 209 



JAPAN CLOVER OB KING GRASS-- (J^spedeea striata.) 



Leaves pinnately three folio late; stipules small and free or falling 

 early. Flowers purple rose color or white; stamens diadelphous; an- 

 thers uniform; pod flat and thin, ovate or arbicular, reticulated. 



It has been but a few years since this plant has been 

 brought to notice in this country, though its existence was 

 mentioned as early as 1784 by Thunberg, a German chemist, 

 who saw it growing in Japan. About the year 1849 it was 

 noticed in the vicinity of Charleston, S. C., the seeds having 

 been brought probably from Japan or China in tea boxes. 

 A short while afterwards it was discovered at a distance of 

 forty miles from Charleston, and still later near Macon, Ga. 



Within the last six years it has developed itself in many 

 of the counties of this State, especially in Henderson and 

 Warren, where it is covering all old fields, and in many 

 instances rooting out broom grass and other grasses, show- 

 ing itself well worthy of the name given it by Mr. Pendle- 

 ton, of King Grass. 



It seems especially adapted to the Southern States, not 

 nourishing above 36, growing with great luxuriance on the 

 poorest soils and retaining vitality in its roots in the sever- 

 est droughts. It is said to be a fine plant for grazing, and 

 being perennial in warm climates, needs no re-sowing and 

 but little attention. On soils unfit for anything else it 

 furnishes good pasture and supplies a heavy green crop for 

 turning under and improving the land. It cannot stand 

 severe cold, and in high latitudes cannot be depended on as 

 a good pasture grass, although it comes up and supplies an 

 abundant forage lor a few months. It should be sown in 

 January or February in the Southern States, and about one 

 bushel of seed to ten acres is required to secure a good stand 

 the first year. It is said to be an excellent renovater of old 

 fields, and to bring them up to a high degree of fertility in 

 an incredibly short space of time. 



Mr. E. M. Pendleton, of Georgia, speaking of it, says : 



"I am willing to concede to it several things that do not 

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