Plant Identification Vocabulary

BLADEWidest part of leaf

PETIOLEStalk where blade

attaches to stem

LEAF BASEShape of leaf where it attaches to petiole

Triangle

Round

Heart

Straight

Uneven

NODE or BUDPoint where petiole attaches to stem

BROAD LEAFRegular, deciduous leaves with a wide

blade

NARROW LEAFSlender leaves, needles or scales

LEAF ARRANGEMENT orLEAF ATTACHMENTPattern which leaves are attached to stem

Alternate

Opposite

Whorled

LEAF DIVISIONSimple OR Single leafCompound OR multiple leaflets

SIMPLE LEAF

Single Leaf

COMPOUND LEAFHaving more than one bladeMade of leaflets

LEAFLETSMany small leaves

PALMATELY COMPOUNDMade of 3 or more leaflets

In the shape of a hand

PINNATELY COMPOUNDLeaflets attached to

along a central stalk

LOBERounded projection of leaf

LEAF EDGE or LEAF MARGINEdge of leaf

Smooth (entire)

Toothed Serrate / saw toothed

Double serrate / double saw toothed

VENATIONParallel – veins run parallel to each

otherPinnate – veins run off of a single veinPalmate – veins come from a single

point like the palm of your hand