Starting a Leaf Collection

Leaf Collecting. What a great way to get your children outside to enjoy the splendor of nature, all the while learning a little along the way! As we all know, there are MANY different types of trees in North Carolina, although here we focus on deciduous broadleaf trees (trees that lose their leaves, mainly hardwood trees). This guide to leaf collecting breaks leaves out into certain "types" of leaves, if you will. Read on for more information and to download our FREE Leaf Collection booklet, made especially with little ones in mind!

Download our 17 page Leaf Collection Guide for children (pictured right)... it is absolutely FREE! You will need Adobe Reader to open the file. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you may obtain a free copy by visiting their website.



This project is really easy! All you need to know is that most leaves fit into a handful of categories; they are:

1. Simple Leaves
These leaves consist of one continuous piece. The outline of these leaves can be one of four shapes:

a. Smooth
b. Toothed
c. Hand-shaped
d. Feather-shaped

2. Compound Leaves
These leaves consist of more than one leaflet that is attached to the leaf stem. They can be one of two patterns:

a. Hand-shaped
b. Feather-shaped

It is important to note that there are EVERGREEN Leaves as well, consisting of either cluster needles, single needles or scaly leaves. We do not cover these in this collection.



SIMPLE LEAVES

Simple Leaves: Smooth Edge (Left)
Simple Leaves, that have a smooth edge come in three different outlines: oval, heart-shaped and thin (pictured left). Many dogwoods, magnolias and redbuds fall within this category.

Simple Leaves: Toothed Edge (Right)
Simple leaves that have jagged edges (pictured right) also come in three different outlines: sharp teeth, small teeth and rounded teeth. Basically, the main difference in these trees is how deep (or sharp) their jagged edges are. Good examples of toothed edge simple trees are elm, cottonwood, weeping willow, birch and poplar.

Simple Leaves: Hand-shaped (Below)
As their name suggests, these leaves resemble a hand. Simple leaves that are hand-shaped come in two outlines: deep lobed and shallow lobed. Good examples of hand-shaped simple trees are maple, sycamore and sweetgum.

Simple Leaves: Feather-shaped (Next Page)
Again, as their name suggests, these leaves resemble a feather. Simple leaves that are feather-shaped come in two different outlines: rounded lobes and pointy lobes. Leaves that fall in this category are from various oak trees.

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