Arrangements
The opposite of 'simple' for a leaf.
Compound
The short slender stalk that joins a leaf to a stem.
Petiole
Beech leaves have this shape.
Elliptical
When a leaf has no teeth, nor notches on its margin.
Smooth/entire
Coniferous trees have these.
Needles
When 2 leaves grow directly the one across from the other.
Opposite
The thin, flat, broad part of a leaf.
Blade
Black poplar leaves have this shape.
Deltoid
When a leaf has teeth.
Serrate/dented
Category of trees that shed their leaves in the winter.
Deciduous
When a leaf is divided into smaller leaflets arranged on each side of the central stalk/rachis (axis).
Pinnate
The tip of a leaf.
Apex
Common lime/basswood leaves have this heart shape.
Cordate
When a leaf has deep indented margins like common oak.
Lobed/lobate
Category of trees that gradually shed their leaves all year long.
Evergreen
When a leaf has four or more lobes or leaflets radiating from a single point.
Palmate
The central vein of a leaf.
Midvein/midrib
Hazel leaves have this shape.
Round/oval
When a leaf has rounded teeth along the margin.
Category of trees which leaves wither and die in autumn but stays on the tree through winter.
Marcescent
When a leaf has three or more leaves growing out of each node.
Whorled
A small leaflike outgrowth occuring on either side of the base of a leaf.
Stipule
Weeping willow leaves have this shape.
Lanceolate
When a leaf has wavy margins.
Undulate
Microscopic openings or pores in the epidermis of leaves and young stems.
Stomata