28o CLOVERS 



has once obtained a foothold, in some soils, at least, 

 it has been known to crowd out Bermuda grass and 

 even broom sage. 



The form of the plants is much affected by the 

 character of the soil in which they grow. On poor 

 soils, the habit of growth is low and spreading; 

 on good soils, it is more upright. But it is always 

 more or less branched, and the stems are relatively 

 stiffer than those of other clovers. They rise but a' 

 few inches above the ground in poor soils, not more 

 than 2 to 4 ; but in good rich soils it will attain' to 

 the height of 2 feet. About i foot may be named 

 as the average height. The leaves are trifoliate. 

 The flower produced in the axils of the leaves are 

 numerous, but quite small. They appear from July 

 onward, according to locality, but are probably more 

 numerous in September, and vary from a pink to a. 

 rose-colored or purplish tint. The seed pods are 

 small, flattish oval in shape and contain but one seed. 

 The tap roots are strong in proportion to the sire 

 of the plant and are relatively deep feeding; hence, 

 the ability of the plant to survive severe drought. - 

 The roots have much power to penetrate stiff sub- 

 soils. 



Japan clover is not usually relished by stock at 

 first, but they soon come to like it, and are then fond 

 of it. Close grazing does not readily injure it; it 

 also furnishes a good quality of hay, but except on' 

 reasonably good soils, the yields of the hay are not' 

 very large. The chemical analysis compares well 

 with that of red clover. 



Japan clover is also an excellent soil renovator.- 



