More About The Shamrock

The shamrock, an unofficial symbol of Ireland and Boston, USA, is a three-leaved young white clover, sometimes (rarely nowadays) Trifolium repens (white clover, known in Irish as seamair bhán) but more usually today Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). However, other three leafed plants such as Black medick (Medicago lupulina), Red clover (Trifolium pratense) or Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) are sometimes designated as shamrocks. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medical properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times.