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March 12, 2025

Clover vs. Shamrock: What’s the Difference?

If you're an urban gardening enthusiast looking to bring some festive greenery into your home or garden, here's what you need to know!

Oxalis tetraphylla 'Iron Cross' (Good Luck Plant)

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you’ll see plenty of green plants and lucky symbols popping up everywhere. But have you ever wondered – what’s the difference between a clover and a shamrock? If you’re an urban gardening enthusiast looking to bring some festive greenery into your home or garden, here’s what you need to know!

 

Shamrocks vs. Clovers: Not Quite the Same

 

Many people use the terms shamrock and clover interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same. The word shamrock comes from the Irish word seamróg, meaning “little clover,” and typically refers to a three-leaved plant from the Oxalis or Trifolium family.

Clovers, on the other hand, belong to the Trifolium genus and include species like white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). These plants are commonly found in lawns, fields, and urban gardens, serving as excellent pollinator-friendly ground covers.

 

Which One Should You Grow?

 

  • Oxalis (Shamrock Plant): A popular indoor houseplant with delicate, three-lobed leaves that open and close with the light. Perfect for container gardening or bright indoor spaces.
  • White & Red Clover: A hardy perennial that thrives in urban gardens, benefiting soil health and attracting pollinators. Great for eco-friendly, low-maintenance landscaping.

 

A Lucky Addition to Your URBAN Garden

 

Whether you choose to grow a shamrock plant indoors or plant clover in your outdoor space, both bring a touch of greenery to celebrate the season. Plus, clover’s nitrogen-fixing abilities make it a great addition to sustainable gardening.

This St. Patrick’s Day, why not add a little luck to your urban garden with one of these festive plants?

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