Shamrock or Clover: What's the Difference?

Q: Are clover and shamrock the same?

A: “Clover” is a generic term that refers to any of the 300 species that belong to the Trifolium family. “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. So all shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks!

The “shamrocks” you see in the grocery store are actually species of Oxalis, (also known as wood sorrels). Oxalis have three leaves and those sold for St. Patrick’s day have green leaves and white flowers. However, some varieties have purple, chartreuse, silver, or varigated leaves. Flowers can range from white, pink, or yellow to red or purple.