fourleaf

Fourleaf is a term used to describe a plant or object with four leaves or leaflets. The most common reference is the four-leaf clover, a rare variation of the ordinary three-leaf clover from the genus Trifolium. The four-leaf form is typically larger and distinct due to the extra leaflet.

Biology and rarity. Fourleaf clovers arise from genetic mutation and developmental variation; their occurrence in wild populations is uncommon. Estimates place frequency around 1 in several thousand clovers, though exact rates vary by species and habitat. The rarity has contributed to their association with luck.

Cultural significance. In Western folklore, the four-leaf clover is a symbol of good fortune. Each leaf is sometimes said to represent faith, hope, love, and luck, though these attributions are modern folkloric additions rather than historical Irish tradition. The motif appears in art, jewelry, and decorative design.

Other uses and naming. Beyond the clover, fourleaf is used as a brand-name or product-name in various industries, and may appear in software, fashion, or horticulture contexts. As a term, it generally signals something with four leaves or leaflets.