
It is important when looking at the leaves of a tree to look for the petiole - as a single leaflet of a compound leaf can look like a single, simple leaf. A compound leaf consists of several leaflets, all of which join up with a single leaf stalk or petiole. Leaves, simple or compoundĪ leaf is said to be simple if its lamina is undivided that is, any ‘teeth’ or lobes do not reach down to the main vein of the leaf. The oak leaf to the left is clearly lobed. Leaf margins may be described as entire, toothed, or lobed. on the following page to further identify leaves. Looking at the margin of the leaf can be an important in identifying the leaf. rior branches while young trees hold virtually all of their dead leaves until spring (making them.

The edge of the leaf is known as the leaf margin. The tip of the leaf is sometimes referred to as the apex of the leaf. The angle that the petiole makes with the stem of the plant is termed the leaf axil. The most common starting point for identifying tree species is the leaves, so that’s where we’ll start today. The edges of leaves create patterns that are often.


The leaf is usually joined to the stem of a plant by a stalk this is called the petiole. One very important way to identify types of tree leaves is by the overall shape of the leaf around its edges. For example the lower surface may be hairy, or a different colour, or the veins of the leaves may be more obvious. The top surface (or adaxial surface) of the leaf is often very different from the lower (or abaxial) surface. The flat surface of the leaf is termed the leaf blade or lamina, as seen to the left. Leaves are generally speaking broad, flat, and thin: these features allow them to intercept light for photosynthesis and allow gases to enter or leave the leaf easily.
