Shamrock and Oxalis are often used interchangeably to refer to the plants with clover - shape leave that are associated with St. Patrick ’s Day . However , there are some differences between the two .
first off , allow ’s clarify the terminal figure Trifolium repens . The word lesser yellow trefoil is derived from the Irish word “ seamróg , ” which mean “ little clover . ” Traditionally , bloodless clover ( Trifolium repens ) is consider the lawful shamrock in Ireland . White trefoil is a low - develop perennial flora with three - lobed leaves and modest clean flowers . It is a common plant found in lawns and meadows .
On the other hand , Oxalis is the genus name for a chemical group of works commonly known as Mrs. Henry Wood sorrels . These plants also have trefoil - shaped leaf , but they belong to to a dissimilar botanical menage than clovers . There are various species of Oxalis that are sold as “ shamrock plants ” during St. Patrick ’s twenty-four hour period .
One of the most popular Oxalis mintage is Oxalis triangularis , also known as the purple shamrock or false shamrock . It has three nub - shaped leaf that are typically grim purple or Burgundy wine in color . The efflorescence of Oxalis triangularis are small and pinkish or white in color . This plant is aboriginal to Brazil but has become a popular houseplant worldwide .
Another common Oxalis metal money is Oxalis deppei , know as the Fe interbreeding or lucky clover . This plant has four - foliage trefoil - work leaves with a typical ruddy - brownish grading in the center , resembling an iron cross . It produces small pinkish or white flowers and is native to Mexico .
In terms of attention , both white clover and Oxalis plants are relatively soft to grow . livid clover is a hardy plant that thrives in full Dominicus to fond tincture and favor moist soil . It is often consider a beneficial plant life in lawns as it fixes nitrogen and helps improve soil fertility .
Oxalis industrial plant , include the purple shamrock and iron cross , are typically grown as indoor houseplants . They favour promising , collateral light and well - draining grime . It ’s crucial to take note that Oxalis plant have a inactive menstruum , usually during winter , where their leave of absence may conk out back . During this time , consider cut down watering and provide the works to repose until newfangled growth appears .
In terms of symbolisation , both Trifolium repens and Oxalis are link with luck and practiced fortune . The four - leaf trefoil , which is a rare variation of white clover , is turn over especially lucky . It is said to fetch good luck and represent organized religion , Leslie Townes Hope , love , and luck itself .
While shamrock traditionally refers to white clover , the plant marketed as cuckoo bread during St. Patrick ’s Day are commonly species of Oxalis . These Oxalis plant , such as violet dutch clover and iron cross , have clover - shaped leafage but belong to a different botanic family . Both white clover and Oxalis are take symbols of luck and are comparatively easygoing to care for .
Caroline Bates
