What is the Difference Between Shamrock and Clover

The main difference between shamrock and clover is that shamrock mainly refers to the white clover (Trifolium repens), whereas clover is the common name for a number of species in the genus Trifolium. Furthermore, around 300 species have been identified in the genus, belonging to the legume or pea family Fabaceae.  Besides, the shamrock is a traditional Irish symbol while clovers with four leaflets are considered lucky. 

In brief, shamrock and clover are two types of small, herbaceous plants. Also, they have dense spikes of small, red, purple, white or yellow flowers, which ultimately form few-seeded pods covered by a calyx.  

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Shamrock
     – Taxonomy, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Clover
     – Taxonomy, Characteristics, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Shamrock and Clover
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Shamrock and Clover
     – Comparison of Key Differences  

Key Terms 

Clover, Legume, Shamrock, Three Leaflets, White Clover

What is Shamrock 

Shamrock (Trifolium repens) or white clover is a clover-like plant famous as the national emblem of Ireland. The reason for choosing that as the national emblem is that, St. Patrick believed that the three tiny leaflets of shamrock represent the Holy Trinity, which is all over the place on St. Patrick’s Day. Moreover, the term ‘shamrock’ is derived from the Gaelic word seamrog, which means “little clover.”

Figure 1: Four-Leaf White Clover (Trifolium repens)

Although many scientists consider white clover as the shamrock, some consider lesser clover (Trifolium dubium) as  shamrock. Traditionally, the shamrock is important for its medicinal properties as well. 

What is Clover 

Clover is a small, annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Trifolium. The genus belongs to the family Fabaceae, which is the legume family. Generally, clover mainly grows in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. However, many species also occur in South America and Africa, including at high altitudes on mountains in the tropics. Also, clover can be evergreen and it is either annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plant. The leaves of the clover consist of three lobes. Dense spikes contain flowers with yellow, red, purple or white colors. However, four or more leaflets can rarely occur in clover. Therefore, clover with four leaflets is considered lucky.

Figure 2: Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover)

Moreover, white and red clover is the most extensively cultivated types of clover. In general, clover is important as fodder and it is grown either in a mixture with ryegrass or sown alone. Especially, clover is a long-time staple crop important as silage. It grows freely and abundantly. Also, it shoots up again even after repeated mowings. In addition to these, clover is nutritious for livestock as it fixes nitrogen. Nitrogen fixation also reduces the requirement of synthetic fertilizers. 

Similarities Between Shamrock and Clover  

• Shamrock and clover are two types of small, herbaceous plants of the genus  Trifolium.  
• Also,  they contain three leaflets, dense spikes of small, red, purple,  white or yellow flowers, which ultimately form few-seeded pods covered by a calyx.    
• They belong to the legume or pea family Fabaceae.  Around 300 species have been identified in the genus,  Trifolium.  
• Besides, they are common in the temperate Northern  Hemisphere,  but many species also occur in South  America and Africa,  including at high altitudes on mountains in the tropics.    
• Moreover,  they are also extensively cultivated as fodder plants.  

Difference Between Shamrock and Clover 

Definition 

Shamrock refers to a low-growing, clover-like plant with three-lobed leaves, used as the national emblem of Ireland, while clover refers to a herbaceous plant of the pea family with dense, globular flower heads and leaves, which are typically three-lobed important as fodder and rotational crop. 

Taxonomy 

Shamrock mainly refers to the white clover (Trifolium repens), while clover is the common name for the number of species in the genus Trifolium. 

Importance 

Moreover, the shamrock is the national emblem of Ireland, while clover is important as a fodder plant and a rotational crop. 

Conclusion 

Shamrock mainly refers to the white clover (Trifolium repens). It contains a three-lobed leaf. It is also the national emblem of Ireland. On the other hand, clover is the plant which belongs to the genus Trifolium. Basically, it is important as fodder and a rotational plant. Therefore, this is the main difference between shamrock and clover. 

References:

1. Sweetser, Robin. “Clover, Shamrocks, and Oxalis: What’s the Difference?” Old Farmer’s Almanac, 24 Apr. 2019, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “4-leaf clover” By Joe Papp – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Trifolium April 2010-2” By Alvesgaspar – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia