Clover (Shamrock)
Feed in Moderation
- Common Name: Clover (Shamrock)
- Latin Name: Trifolium spp.
- Family Name: Fabaceae/Leguminosae
White Clover can, if damaged by frost or wind-scorch, develop cyanogenic compounds, and Red Clover, Alsike Clover, and Crimson Clover can contain photoactive compounds that cause photosensitive reactions in many animals. Although all Clovers contain high levels of protein, they are still acceptable to feed as a small percentage of the tortoise's diet.
The Shamrock which is the national symbol of Ireland, is actually the young shoots of Clover, and the term Shamrock is most often applied to the Trifolium repens or Trifolium dubium species.
White Clover (Trifolium repens); Red Clover (Trifolium pratense); Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum);
Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum).
The leaves of Clover can easily be confused with those of Wood Sorrel, but the flowers are very different.
The Shamrock which is the national symbol of Ireland, is actually the young shoots of Clover, and the term Shamrock is most often applied to the Trifolium repens or Trifolium dubium species.
White Clover (Trifolium repens); Red Clover (Trifolium pratense); Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum);
Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum).
The leaves of Clover can easily be confused with those of Wood Sorrel, but the flowers are very different.
