buffalo clover
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of clover (Trifolium reflexum or Trifolium stoloniferum) native to the western United States. 2. A low-growing annual plant (Psoralea tenuiflora) of the southwestern United States, with silky foliage and blue flowers, known to be toxic to livestock.
Examples
- The prairie was dotted with patches of buffalo clover.
- Ranchers must be cautious to prevent cattle from grazing on buffalo clover, as it can cause poisoning.
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in botanical, agricultural, and ecological contexts to describe these specific North American plants.
- Its meaning is highly region-specific and tied to its geographical origin (western/southwestern U.S.).
Variants and Related Words
- Blue Buffalo Clover: A common name that emphasizes the flower color of the species.
- Buffalo Clover () is also known as Running Buffalo Clover, highlighting its growth habit.
Synonyms
- For meaning 1 (clover): Trifolium reflexum, Trifolium stoloniferum.
- For meaning 2 (toxic herb): Psoralea tenuiflora, slimflower scurfpea (a more precise botanical name).
Notes on Different Meanings
The word buffalo clover refers to two distinct plants: 1. A non-toxic species of clover (genus Trifolium). 2. A toxic herb (genus Psoralea) that is not a true clover but shares the common name due to some habitat or morphological similarities. Context, especially location (western vs. southwestern U.S.), usually indicates which plant is meant.
Noun
- clover of western United States
- low-growing annual herb of southwestern United States (Texas) having silky foliage and blue flowers; a leading cause of livestock poisoning in the southwestern United States