St. Patrick’s Day: Time to test shamrock knowledge

In short, all shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks.

The word shamrock comes from the Gaelic word semróg, which translates to “little clover.” Shamrocks are the most common and recognizable symbols of Ireland. Legend has it that the Emerald Isle’s patron saint, Patrick, used the three-leaf clover to teach about the Holy Trinity of Christianity — Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

While a shamrock is a clover with three leaflets, some clovers have four leaves and are thought to bring luck to anyone who finds one. “There is about a 1 in 10,000 chance of finding a four-leaf clover,” Mecham said. Even rarer is the five-leave clover.

By most accounts, the original shamrock is thought to be either yellow clover (Trifolium dubium) or white clover (Trifolium repens). Both plants have three oval green leaflets with tiny, ball-shaped floral clusters.

Clover draws bees, butterflies and other pollinators to the nectar of its lightly scented flowers.

Around St. Patrick’s Day, grocery stores or floral shops sell “shamrock” plants. This imposter is a plant from the genus Oxalis, a member of the wood sorrel family. It hails from mountainous regions of South and Central America, not Ireland.

While true shamrock has a fibrous root system, many oxalis species produce tubers, or bulb-like structures, MU Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein said. “In fact, the plump, juicy tubers of Oxalis tuberosa have long been cultivated as a food course in Colombia and other South American countries. Referred to as oca by people indigenous to the area, it is second only to potato in acreage planted in the Central Andean region.”

Protecting monarch butterflies

With spring around the corner, University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Kelly McGowan urges gardeners to consider how they can help monarch butterflies.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are one of the most popular and well-known insects, but populations are declining. McGowan said declines can be attributed to many factors, including breeding habitat loss, changes in weather patterns, extreme weather during migration, pesticide use, disease and issues at Mexican overwintering sites.

“While monarchs get the most attention, it is imperative that we protect other pollinators, which have also had population declines,” McGowan said. “Fortunately, there are things we can do on a small scale that can make a difference.”

Plant milkweed

Milkweed is the only plant species eaten by the monarch caterpillars, and it also provides beautiful, nectar-filled flowers for the adults. There are many types of milkweeds, most of which are native to Missouri, with a variety of flower colors and habitat requirements. They can make great additions to the home landscape, McGowan said.

Plant pollinator gardens

Incorporate milkweed plants into a backyard garden with a variety of pollinator-friendly plants. While most pollinators prefer native plants, some annuals such as zinnias can be included. Plants that provide early-season and late-season blooms also are needed and are helpful for monarchs during migrations.

Reduce pesticide use

Not only can direct contact be harmful, but secondary exposure such as wind contamination and feeding on plants with chemical residue can be a factor.

Protect overwintering sites

Sites include trees, shrubs and other areas where insects seek refuge from harsh winter conditions.

The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Unlike other butterflies that can overwinter as larvae, pupae or even as adults in some species, monarchs cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates. Using environmental cues, the monarchs know when it is time to travel south for the winter.