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Looking for a way to bring a wee bit of the Irish into your home? A potted shamrock plant is the perfect addition to a sunny window and is a wonderful way to add a little bit of green to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Did you know that the word shamrock originated from the Old Irish “seamróg,” which means “little clover?” Read on to find out more about this iconic plant and its ties to the Irish.
History of the Shamrock
This iconic Irish symbol began its journey to fame with the Celtic druids who considered the number 3 to be a perfect number, associating it with the three realms of sea, sky, and land, as well as the division of soul in the spirit, mind, and body, and the ideal of love, wisdom, and truth, among others. It was first recognized as a symbol related to the Celtic goddess Ana, representing her place as maiden, mother, and crone.
During the 5th century, St. Patrick often used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity as he spread the Catholic faith throughout Ireland. The shamrock made an appearance on St. Patrick’s coppers, otherwise known as halfpennies, in 1675. By the 19th century, the shamrock became a symbol of Irish rebellion when the English forbade the “wearin’ o’ the green.” Those who wore it anyway faced death.
The original shamrock is believed to be the white clover (Trifolium repens), native to Ireland but found growing in yards across America.
Oxalis, the False Shamrock
The plant typically sold as a potted shamrock plant is Oxalis regnellii. This small plant is loved for its clover-shaped leaves in various colors and the delicate flowers that bloom from fall until spring. Its delicate leaves fold up at night and reopen with the return of sunlight. Oxalis is a member of the wood sorrel family. Although both shamrocks and Oxalis have three leaves, they are from different plant genus, and the leaves and the flowers are shaped differently. True shamrocks are members of the clover family Trifolium repens.
Oxalis plant species are extremely prolific and can be found throughout the world, with the most diverse plant being in South America and Southern Africa. In the United States, three species of Oxalis are considered invasive: Bermuda Buttercup, Pink Wood sorrel, and Common Yellow Wood sorrel. While there are many different cultivars of Oxalis, exotic varieties make the best house plants.
Oxalis may not be the original shamrock, but this beauty has captured the hearts of all of us looking to bring the luck of the Irish into our homes. And Marquette residents need as much green as we can get in March. Stop by Flower Works to pick up one for your St Patrick’s Day festivities or to bring a little luck to someone you know. Contact us at (906) 273-1335.
Just because the prime summer months are beginning to wind down does not mean that you need to become complacent with the outlook of your home garden. Whether you are simply looking to add some flowers to your home or inject some new color into your already lush summertime garden, there is a wide variety of easy-to-care-for flowers that bloom in the late summer and can thrive as we transition into the autumn months.
The benefits of adding houseplants to a small and otherwise stale dorm room are undeniable. Improving your productivity and reducing your stress levels is essential for any college student looking to conquer this new school year, not to mention the improved air quality and aesthetic appeal that they also provide to your living space.
Whether you are looking for the perfect complement to your dinner, a refreshing drink with fresh ingredients, or a splash of color at your next event, berries could be just what you are looking for. It is hard to argue with the versatility of such fleshy fruits. With their great taste and eye-catching colors, it’s the time of year to celebrate the sunshine and the longer days with these berrylicious ideas.
