Leaf Arrangment

alternate
leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, as opposed to opposite leaves

opposite
leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, as opposed to alternate leaves

clasping
leaf base wraps part way around the stem

basal leaves
the leaves found at the base of the plant, which are usually whorled around the stem
basal rosette
young leaves around arranged in a circle around a central point before the stem appears, with the smallest leaves in the center

compound leaves
the leaves are not whole, but made up of smaller leaflets
leaflet
a small piece of a leaf that looks like a leaf, but together with other leaflets makes up a compound leaf.

stipule
a distinctive modified leaf form found at the base of the leaf in some species, such as rose or pea

Leaf Margins

entire
smooth margined, lacking lobes or teeth

toothed
having small, sharp serrations

crenate
wavy edged, like large rounded teeth or very shallow lobes

lobed
leaves are indented to create lobes
pinnately lobed
lobes arranged oppositely along the central vein
palmately lobed
lobes arranged around a central point

dissected
leaves very finely divided into many lobes, often doubly or triply divided

Leaf Shape

ovate
egg shaped, widest towards the base of the leaf

obovate
oblong in shape, widest towards the tip of the leaf

linear
very narrow

lanceolate
lance shaped, widest toard the base and several times longer than wide

asymmetrical base
base of leaf is severely uneven or lopsided

Flowers

flowerhead
a group of flowers or florets clumped together so that they give the appearance a single flower
floret
a very small flower found in a flowerhead, often found in plants of the Composite family
ray
a flattened, petal like flower found on the outer edge of a flowerhead, like on a daisy

bract
a modified leaf structure often found below a flower or flowerhead

regular
petals are arranged regularly around the center of the flower
irregular
petals not arranged regularly; often with some petals larger than others or flower arranged in a cone or other shape

spike
a flowerhead with many flowers along a central stem, getting smaller toward the top

spur
A tubular projection on a flower which usually contains nectar

Roots

taproot
a central root which grows straight downward

rhizome
a horizontal stem that runs along the ground, either just above or just below the surface

tuber
a fleshy part of some rhizomes that stores energy for the plant

Other

annual — the plant appears, flowers, fruits, and dies all within a single year

biennial — the plant appears and produces leaves in the first year, produces flowers and fruit in the second, then dies

perennial — the plant flowers and fruits for 3 or more years before dying

stalked — a leaf or flower which has a stalk; i.e. which is not attached directly to the main stem

deciduous — a tree or shrub which loses its leaves in winter

herbaceous — a plant which is entirely fleshy, without any woody parts; herbaceous plants are usually small

succulent — a plant which has thick leaves and stems which store water