Tree Glossary

NOTE: Words in italics have their own entry in this glossary.

Alternate Branching

In trees with alternate branching, side branches and leaves do not grow directly across from each other. Trees will either have alternate branching or opposite branching.

Broad Leaf

Broad leaf trees have leaves (that is, normal flat blades) rather than needles. Trees are either broad leaf or coniferous.

Compound Leaves

A compound leaf is a single leaf with multiple leaflets, where leaflets are smaller parts of leaves that often resemble leaves themselves. The leaflets all attach to a single leaf stem, which in turn, attaches to the twig. The leaf begins where the stem joins the twig. Leaves are either compound or simple.

Coniferous

Coniferous trees, or conifers, have needles or scale-like leaves and bear cones. Trees are either coniferous or broad leaf.

Deciduous Tree

The leaves of deciduous trees fall off during the fall and grow back in the spring. Trees are either deciduous or evergreen.

Evergreen Tree

Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year long. Trees are either evergreen or deciduous.

Leaf Scar

A leaf scar is the mark left on a twig or branch when a leaf from a deciduous tree falls off.

Lobes

Lobes are like fingers on a leaf that make a leaf irregular shaped.

Opposite Branching

In trees with opposite branching, side branches and leaves grow directly across from each other. Trees will either have opposite branching or alternate branching.

Simple Leaves

In a simple leaf, the leaf stem continues into the leaf blade and becomes the main vein of the leaf. Leaves are either simple or compound.