Types of Compound Leaves

Part of the Biodiversity Counts Curriculum Collection.

Drawing of a seven-leafed stem denoting an axillary bud at the base, the petiole, bottom right leaflet, and the terminal leaflet

Pinnate (odd): Leaflets are attached along an extension of the petiole called a rachis; there is a terminal leaflet and therefore an odd number of leafle

A drawing of a compound leaf illustrating an example of twice pinnate. In this image the petiole shows six attached petioles, each with nine leaflets.

Twice pinnate: The leaflets are also divided into leaflets. 

pinnate(elven)

Pinnate (even): Leaflets are attached along an extension of the petiole called a rachis; there is an even number of leaflets. 

palmate

Palmate: Leaflets are attached to the tip of the petiole.