Ever wonder what the difference is between a shamrock and a clover? A shamrock is a type of clover (i.e. all shamrock is clover, but not all clover is shamrock).

Shamrock, which has three leaves, is the national symbol of Ireland. During Saint Patrick’s teachings in the fifth-century, he used the shamrock to signify the Holy Trinity. At some point the shamrock became the national symbol of Ireland.

Clover is a member of the pea family. They produce tight, spherical shaped flowers and generally have three leaves. They can have four, five, six or more leaves, which are more rare. Flowers can be red (what I usually see in the pasture), white, yellow or purple.

Bonus Information: Do you know what a group of clover is called? A cluff!