What’s a Shamrock? The term itself comes from the Gaelic word seamróg, which literally means “little clover.” While there is not a 100% consensus, most botanists agree that a shamrock most likely refers to either the white clover (trifolium repens) or the suckling clover (trifolium dubium).

Perhaps it doesn’t matter whether the shamrock of lore was a clover or a wood sorrel. However, we do know that shamrocks have three leaves. In other words, shamrocks and four-leaf clovers (pictured) are not the same. For four-leaf clovers, their luck has a history.

It has clover-shaped leaves that grow in variable shades of green and purple tones. Shamrock plants bloom periodically, with delicate white or pink flowers which peek out from clusters of leaves throughout their growing season.

All shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks. A four-leaf clover is a rare genetic mutation, and their unusual appearance has led to them being associated through folklore with good luck. ‘Shamrock’ is the name given to a clover with three leaves, and is not linked to luck.

What is a Shamrock Plant? The potted shamrock plant (Oxalis regnellii) is a small specimen, often reaching no more than 6 inches (15 cm.). Leaves are in a range of shades and delicate flowers bloom off and on during fall, winter, and spring. Leaves are clover shaped and some think the plant brings good luck.

There really is no such thing as a shamrock plant; shamrock is just a corruption of an Irish word that means ‘little clover” and generally refers to white clover (Trifolium repens). The plants marketed for this holiday are actually species of Oxalis, also known as wood sorrels, that have clover-shaped leaves.

In an uncontrolled environment, these three-leafed plants are weeds. Because of their creeping design, they can cover grounds easily and quickly. Mowing won’t have an adverse effect because they can easily recover. Their leaves and flowers attract bees.

You can easily spot the difference between the two because shamrocks have three leaves (or leaflets, technically) while four-leaf clovers have, obviously, four leaflets. It takes a rare genetic mutation to get that extra leaf which is why it’s so difficult to find a four-leaf clover.

The leaves of O. triangularis move in response to light levels, opening in high ambient light (in the day) and closing at low light levels (at night). During this movement, the leaflets fold at the level of the central vein.

A shamrock is technically in the clover family, but it must have three leaves to bear the name. Most tend to agree that it’s probably the white clover (Trifolium repens) that’s referred to as a shamrock.

“Shamrock,” on the other hand, means “little clover” and is used to refer to the white clover species or the suckling clover species. It is also the symbol of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day. In conclusion, shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks.

A four leaf clover is an aberration of the normally three-leaf Trifolium repens, or “white clover.”. A perennial member of the pea family, it is a deep green, flowering vine with white blossoms.

The shamrock is an indoor plant, often associated with Ireland and good luck. The leaves are like three-leaf clovers with delicate white or light purple blossoms.