One copycat of the real four-leaf clover is Pepperwort, which is also known as Marsilea Quadrifolia and Water Clover. It produces four leaves naturally. Another copycat of the real four-leaf clover is Oxalis also known as Oxalis deppei or Oxalis tetraphylla. This plant also produces four leaves naturally.

The real four-leaf clover is from the White Clover plant or trifolium repens. Occasionally, this plant produces leaves of four. The fourth leaf of this plant is usually a bit smaller than the other three. This fact can be used as one way of identifying it as a true four-leaf clover is from the White Clover plant. The White Clover plant features white blossoms on a trailing vine with deep green hues.

It has been said that each of the four leaves stand for something different. The first leaf stands for faith. The second leaf stands for hope. The third leaf stands for love. The fourth leaf stands for luck. Although each leaf has been associated with something important, most people simply associate the four-leaf clover with luck. If someone finds a four-leaf clover, it is supposed to bring him or her luck.

White clover, also known as shamrocks in Irish tradition, is considered the unofficial state symbol. On the other hand, the Irish tradition of the shamrock states that the three-leaf clover symbolizes the Holy Christian Trinity. The first three leaves represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If a shamrock is found with a fourth leaf, that leaf represents the grace of God.

Finding a four-leaf clover is not something that occurs every day. Perhaps this is why so many people consider it a symbol of luck. Today, some companies dry and preserve these talismans of luck for sale. The green color is carefully preserved to retain its easy identification as a four-leaf clover.

By Susan M. Keenan ©2008