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American Museum of Natural History

Leaf Type

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 Compound: The leaf is separated into distinct leaflets, each with its own small petiole (but without an axillary bud). 

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Simple: The leaf may be lobed or divided, but does not form distinct leaflets.

Petiole: The stalk of a leaf. 
Leaf blade: The broad, expanded part of a leaf. 
Leaflet: One of the parts of a compound leaf. Leaflets do NOT have axillary buds. 
Axillary buds: Buds located where a leaf joins a stem.

  • More About This Resource...

    • This illustrated guide to leaf types is designed to help students understand the differences between compound and simple leaves. This single Web page can be easily printed for use at field sites. Along with an explanation of both types, the guide includes a short description of these related terms:

      • petiole,
      • leaf blade,
      • leaflet, and
      • axillary buds.

    • Completion Time

      Less than 1 period

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Plants