If you learn the difference
between a simple and compound leaf you will be able to do a great sorting
activity when you go and collect the leaves. Go to the Activities page and
have some fun!
Simple Leaf
The broad, flat part of a
leaf is called the blade. The blade is connected to the stem or
petiole. The stem supports the blade and turns it toward the
sun. The bud grows at the base of the leaf. The midrib is the
central stalk of the leaf.
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Opposite Branching & Simple Leaves
If you have a simple leaf structure on your tree,
look closely at the way the leaf is formed. Does it have a mostly
smooth outline or a toothed, more jagged outline?
All Simple
Leaves
Compound Leaf
In some plants the
blades are divided into a number of small leaves called leaflets.
A compound leaf has a number of leaves arranged in two rows facing each
other along the midrib. One leaflet may grow at the tip of the
midrib of some compound leaves. Buds always appear at the base of
the leaf, never at the base of the leaflets.
The broad, flat part of a
leaf is called the blade. The blade is connected to the stem or
petiole. The stem supports the blade and turns it toward the
sun. The bud grows at the base of the leaf. The midrib is the
central stalk of the leaf.
