What is the Difference Between Simple and Compound Leaves?

The difference between simple and compound leaves lies in their structure and the number of leaflets they have:

• Simple Leaves: These are leaves with a single leaf blade or lamina, although they may be deeply lobed, divided, or dissected. Simple leaves have a bud at the base of the leaf, and their petioles (stems) are attached to a twig. Examples of trees with simple leaves include black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) and white ash.
• Compound Leaves: These are leaves with two or more distinct leaflets. Compound leaves have bud nodes that are attached at the base of the stem or petiole, and the leaflets are attached to the middle vein and have their own stalks. Trees with compound leaves, such as white ash, have smaller leaflets that are divided into separate parts.

To differentiate between simple and compound leaves, you can look for the buds at the base of the leaf. There is no bud on leaflets, so the presence of a bud indicates a simple leaf.

Comparative Table: Simple vs Compound Leaves

Here is a table comparing the differences between simple and compound leaves:

Simple leaves have a single leaf blade, or lamina, and are attached to the stem or petiole. They can have various shapes, such as ovate, lanceolate, or palmate. In contrast, compound leaves have a leaf blade that is divided into multiple leaflets, each with its own separate blade. The different types of compound leaves include pinnately compound leaves and palmately compound leaves.