“All shamrocks may be called clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks.” There really is no such thing as “shamrock,” which is a corruption of an Irish word that means “little clover” and generally refers to white clover (Trifolium repens). Most plants that come to mind when we think of this holiday, though, are actually species of Oxalis – also known as wood sorrels – that have clover-shaped leaves.
Traditionally a shamrock is a three-leaf clover; if the clover has four leaves, then it’s not a shamrock, it’s just lucky! March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, a time when we wear green (unless we want to get pinched) and celebrate Irish culture. The shamrock has become a symbol for St. Patrick’s Day and is worn with pride all around the world during this Irish holiday.
Clover is the common name for plants of the genus Trifolium, which consists of over 300 species of flowering plants in the legume (or pea) family. Although it is persistent throughout the U.S., clover is typically a non-native species that was brought over from Europe in the 1600s. However, there are some native southeastern clovers that will produce flowers, perfect for attracting bees and butterflies, which can result in the production of clover honey. Clover is primarily used as a cover crop and can also be harvested and used as a food source for livestock; deer, rabbits and even turkey all like to munch on it too.
You don’t need the “luck of the Irish” to realize all the benefits clover has to offer your landscape. Let’s dive in!
Three ways clover improves our landscape:
1. Erosion Control
Clover can help keep soil from eroding and prevent runoff by acting as a barrier in sloped yards. It is known to have long fibrous roots that can reach water and nutrients that may otherwise be unavailable to non-native grasses like St. Augustine, helping maintain moisture in the soil and decreasing the amount of water needed in the landscape. Clover behaves similarly to mulch, as it regulates soil temperature while simultaneously suppressing weeds.
2. Nitrogen Fixation
Clover is a nitrogen fixer, meaning it prevents a need to add artificial fertilizers. Instead, clover keeps nitrogen and organic matter in the soil where it’s needed for most grasses to survive and flourish while improving the soil’s ability to absorb moisture. Additionally, as clover suppresses other weeds on the landscape, it also decreases the need for herbicides in your lawn and garden.
3. Bug Benefits
Scientist have linked the decline in bee populations to the decline of clover and other “weeds.” Flowering clover species have nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and more. It offers the essential elements for pollinator: habitat, food, water, and shelter. Earthworms also reap the benefits of clover as stewards of soil health; clover promotes healthy ecosystems and builds rich soil in which they thrive. For the sake of your pollinator pals and working worms, if you see clover, let it be.
Clover has numerous benefits, so if it’s in our landscapes, we should consider ourselves LUCKY.
Got Questions? Contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov