Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) —Common Names:— Shamrock Trefoil Three-leaved Grass St. Patrick's Herb   Red Clover is the state flower of Vermont. Buy state flowers

Both an integral part of many a cultivated hay field and a common sight along numerous Vermont roadsides, the Red Clover is symbolic of Vermont's scenic countryside generally and of its dairy farms in particular. High in vegetable protein, red clover is a valuable forage crop. Oddly enough, however, it is not a native of Vermont but was naturalized from Europe. The shamrock dates back to ancient Druids. In the Middle Ages it was seen as the symbol of the Trinity because it had three leaflets. Legend has it that when St. Patrick reached the Emerald Isle in the 5th century, he used three-leafed clovers to teach the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. It is said that Biblical sheep grazed upon it. Tiny posts of bright green shamrocks appear on St. Patrick's Day. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant was called clava by the Romans. In Britain, it became the Anglo-Saxon cloefer or cloeferwort - wort indicating a plant of medicinal virtue. The small pale white and pink flowers have been used in healing ointments since ancient times. Common wild red clovers, are used as a tonic tea or skin wash. Three-leaf clovers, are important in weddings and matters of love. Symbolizing a prosperous, joyous, long marriage with happiness and good fortune, it is said to protect the household. No bride should go down the aisle without clovers present in both shoes. The 4-leafed clover is a sign of good luck. The 5- leafed clover is seen as a token of good marriage. Clovers with more than 4 leaflets are seen as un-favorable. Considered good luck omens a four-leafed clover is a charm against snakes, witches, the devil and other dangerous creatures. Besides, it is said to give the gift of second sight enabling one to see fairies. Clover is seen as a sign of vitality. In the language of flowers it means Think of me or Be mine. ********

Copyrighted ©Parkwell's
All rights are reserved.