Around St. Patrick’s Day, almost everybody is Irish, at least in spirit. We listen to Irish music, thrill to Irish dancing, imbibe or wear green and we decorate with little shamrocks.
So what are shamrocks? Nobody knows for sure. But on March 17th, many folks, Irish or not, celebrate the life of a priest named Patrick, a British missionary who supposedly lived between the years 389 and 461 and who converted the people of Ireland to Christianity using shamrocks.
Because St. Patrick lived so long ago, if he lived at all, many legends are suspect. Did he really drive the frogs and snakes from Ireland? Geologists are pretty sure that the Ice Age glaciers were responsible for that. Did the good saint really explain the nature of God using a small leaf with three parts in one. Religious scholars question the legend.
But whether it’s true, the trifoliate leaf of the shamrock has become associated with St. Patrick’s Day and March. Most botanists think it was one of the plant species called oxalis or sorrel. Here in America, native oxalis resembles clover, but has light green, heart-shaped leaves. It’s common around Interlochen. In fact, it grows on the road leading to the radio station, and Interlochen Campers like to nibble on it because it has a pleasant sour taste.
When kids pick oxalis, I suggest moderation because as the name suggests, oxalis contains a chemical called oxalic acid which, consumed in large portions, can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting.
For those who crave a little hint of spring, grocery stores and florists sell shamrocks---usually one of several species of oxalis. A nibble won’t hurt you, but please, keep oxalis away from pets. Also, if you are wanting a nice St. Patrick’s Day plant for a dinner centerpiece, know that outdoors or indoors, the shamrock-shaped leaves of many species of oxalis fold up after dark. Bad luck if you are entertaining.
