Trees are one of the most important natural organisms on Earth. For a tree to thrive, many things depend on its leaves, from wind resistance and water droplets to photosynthesis. Learn more about tree leaves by reviewing our glossary list of common tree leaf terms below.
Tree vacation terms and definitions
Alternate
Alternate tree leaves are arranged staggered along the branches rather than directly opposite each other.
Blade
A blade refers to the flat surface area of a hardwood tree.
Bract
Bracts are modified leaves that grow flowers.
Broadleaf
Broadleaf is a flat, slender tree that typically falls once a year.
Compound leaves
A compound leaf is a leaf that has two or more blades.
Chlorophyll
A green pigment in tree leaves and cyanobacteria that regulates the absorption of ultraviolet light to provide energy for photosynthesis.
Deciduous trees
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, remain dormant in the winter, and bloom again in the spring.
Dripline
The perimeter around a tree canopy where rain drips off the leaves.
Evergreen
Evergreen trees do not lose their leaves and remain “green” all year round.
Leaf tracks
When leaves fall from a tree branch, they leave behind traces called leaf marks.
Lobe
Tree leaf lobes are the protrusions that determine the shape of the leaf.
Margin
Leaf margin refers to the edge of a leaf. Therefore, the term full margin refers to leaves with smooth, non-serrated edges.
Midrib
The midrib is the main vein of the leaf, also called the rib.
Opposites
Two or three tree leaves that grow along the same branch but are directly opposite each other.
Palmate
A tree leaf with blades, projections, or veins arranged in a manner similar to fingers or hands.
Pinnate
A tree leaf with leaves, projections, or veins arranged in a manner similar to feathers.
Persistence Deciduous tree leaves that do not fall and remain throughout the year.
Petioles
Petioles are essential to the stem or petiole that connects the leaves to the branches.
Simple leaf
A leaf with a bud at the base of the petiole and only one leaf blade.
Sinus
A tree leaf with projections and depressions between the leaves.
Teeth
Leaf teeth are grooves on the outer edge of the leaf.
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