Shrub leaf forms

*Included in this key are only those species found in the area surveyed* at Buttermilk Falls State Park.**

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Shrub Leaf Types


	If you're experienced in studying plants, and already know how to identify the different types of leaves, you can start this key immediately by clicking the link above. Many traditional keys use flower and fruit characters to help identify plants. Focusing on flowers and fruits is the best way to help the learner understand the relationships between the various species covered in a key. Unfortunately, flowers and fruits are not present all season. On the other hand, leaves are usually present throughout most of the growing season. For that reason, we will rely heavily on leaf characteristics here. The basic leaf types are: compound, simple-unlobed, simple-lobed.

x compound The leaf contains three or more separate leaflets that are attached to the leaf stalk, but are not connected to each other.

simple-lobed The leaf has two or more prominent lobes.

simple-unlobed The leaf has neither lobes nor separate leaflets. The leaf outline is usually round, elliptic or oval shaped.


Note: all three leaf forms may have either smooth edges or toothed edges.