Introduction to Leaf Identification

Types of Leaves

Please get out your notebooks and turn to a NEW page of notes

Forest layers

Canopy

CanopyTallest treesTops of trees form a ceiling

Treetops stop a lot of the light

Protects the soil from erosion

Understory

UnderstorySmaller trees with thin trunks

Stop just below canopyWait for a gap to grow into canopy

Shrub Layer

Shrub LayerSmall shrubs (woody stems but small)

Grow between the smaller trees

Forest Floor

Forest FloorDarkCovered in a layer of leaves, twigs, and dead plants

Decayed leaves provide nutrients to soil

Alive with invertebrates and microorganisms

Alternate or Opposite Leaves

Simple Leaf

Simple Leaf

Compound leaf

Compound Leaf

Compound leaves

Leaf Margins (edges)Smooth

Serrated = with teeth