Leaf Types

Illustrations by Marina Smelik.

There are several different types of leaves. When deciding the type of leaf you are looking at, remember that the axillary bud defines the leaf.

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A simple leaf is composed of one leaf blade where the blade is not subdivided into smaller leaflets.

A compound leaf is a leaf that is divided into smaller units called leaflets. Notice that there is no axillary bud at the base of a leaflet.

LEAF TYPES

Simple - leaf blade not subdivided.

Compound palmate - shaped like the palm of your hand. In this example,the leaf blade is subdivided into five distinct leaflets.

Compound palmate - shaped like the palm of your hand. In this example,the leaf blade is subdivided into three distinct leaflets.

Compound pinnate. Also called compound odd-pinnate when a terminal leaflet is present.

Compound pinnate.
Also called compound even-pinnate when a terminal leaflet is not present.

Compound bi-pinnate. The leaflet is sub-divided again into smaller units called secondary leaflets.