Shamrock plants, or Oxalis, appear in flower shops around St. Patrick’s Day. These plants have the nickname Shamrock plant because of their three thin, triangular leaflets that look like a lucky clover plant.
There are several stories associated with the Shamrock plant. One of the most popular is that St. Patrick, the saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, picked a shamrock plant from the grass to explain the Holy Trinity to his congregation. The three leaves, he said, represented the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death. The Shamrock plant is also credited with the arrival of spring and as a symbol for the “season of rebirth.”Oxalis regnelli, the green leafed version, has small delicate white flowers; while Oxalis triangularis, or False Shamrock plant, has dark purple leaves and pinkish lavender flowers. Shamrock plants are bulb plants and die back after they bloom. Don’t throw them out, they just need a little rest before starting to grow again. These plants are considered slightly poisonous if eaten in large quantities and should be kept away from pets and children.
