Shamrock

A shamrock is a type of clover, used as a symbol of Ireland. The name shamrock comes from Irish seamróg ([ˈʃamˠɾˠoːɡ]), which is the diminutive of the Irish word seamair and simply means "young clover".[1]

At most times, Shamrock refers to either the species Trifolium dubium (lesser/yellow clover, Irish: seamair bhuí)[2] or Trifolium repens (white clover, Irish: seamair bhán). However, other three-leaved plants—such as Medicago lupulina, Trifolium pratense, and Oxalis acetosella—are sometimes called shamrocks. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medicinal properties,[3] and was a popular motif in Victorian times.

  1. ^ Nelson (1991), p. 14
  2. ^ "Lesser Hop Trefoil, Trifolium dubium – Flowers – NatureGate". luontoportti.com. Archived from the original on 31 October 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  3. ^ "Shamrocks: More Than A Bit O'Luck (Michele Warmund)". ipm.missouri.edu. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
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