According to the syndicated newspaper feature, “Did You Know?” …. In Ireland, the plant most identified as a ‘shamrock’ is the white clover.

However, according to Horticulture Magazine (March 2009 email), the shamrock houseplant is Oxalis regnellii.

It’s described as follows:

“Houseplant with shamrock-shaped bright green foliage and dainty white flowers on tall, delicate stems. Blooms in late winter/early spring.

Foliage: Triangular leaflets held in threes atop slender stems.

Flower: Five-petaled simple white flowers held in groups of five or six atop slender stems, rising just above foliage.

Habit: Dense with leaves on individual stems. Grows from a rhizome.

Season: Spring

Origin: South America

Cultivation: Bright indirect light; some direct sun OK. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilize with houseplant fertilizer in summer, and place plant in shady location outdoors. Leaves die down in fall; stop watering. Start again in early February to encourage the plant out of dormancy.”

Enjoy!