Johnson grass

noun

1. a sorghum, Sorghum halepense, that spreads by creeping rhizomes, grown for fodder.

Johnson grass

noun

1. a persistent perennial Mediterranean grass, Sorghum halepense, cultivated for hay and pasture in the US where it also grows as a weed See also sorghum

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnson grass¹

1880–85, Americanism; named after William Johnson, American agriculturist who first planted it in 1840

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnson grass¹

C19: named after William Johnson (died 1859), American agriculturalist who introduced it

Example Sentences

They are targeting Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, common teasel, multiflora rose, Amur honeysuckle, poison hemlock, marestail, Japanese knotweed and kudzu.

From Washington Times

The treatments will target Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, poison hemlock, Japanese knotweed, kudzu and others.

From Washington Times

Because, he says, he can’t use herbicides or pesticides on his hemp, Gilkison spends much of the growing season battling back pigweed, Johnson grass and crab grass.

From New York Times

The cabinet says it targets Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, kudzu and other weeds.

From Seattle Times

“They had this little tractor with one little seat on each side, and we’d ride around and spray the Johnson grass,” a weed, with chemicals.

From New York Times