Glossary

ALTERNATE - leaves that are staggered or not placed directly across from each other on the twig.

BLADE - the flat part of a leaf, or leaflet, characteristic of deciduous trees.

BROADLEAF - a tree with leaves that are flat and thin and generally shed annually.

BUD SCAR - the marks remaining after bud scales drop in spring.

COMPOUND LEAF - a leaf with more than one blade. All blades are attached to a single leafstem. Where the leafstem attaches to the twig there is a bud.

CONIFER - cone-bearing tree.

DECIDUOUS - shedding all leaves annually.

ENTIRE - a leaf margin with smooth, untoothed edges.

EVERGREEN - trees with needles or leaves that remain alive and on the tree through the winter and into the next growing season.

LEAF SCAR - the mark left on the twig where the leaf was previously attached.

LOBES - projections that shape a leaf.

MARGIN - the edge of a leaf.

MIDRIB - the primary rib or central vein of a leaf.

OPPOSITE - 2 or 3 leaves that are directly across from each other on the same twig.

PALMATE - blades or lobes or veins of the leaf arranged like fingers on the palm of a hand.

PETIOLE - the leafstalk that connects the blade(s) to the twig.

PINNATE - blades or lobes or veins of the leaf arranged like the vanes of a feather.

SAMARA - winged fruit.

SIMPLE LEAF - a single leaf blade with a bud at the base of the leafstem.

SINUS - indentation between lobes on a leaf.

SPURS - stubby, often sharp twigs.

TEETH - notches on the outer edge of a leaf.