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How to Identify Lobed Leaves

Lobed leaves are found on many types of trees, plants and weeds. If you are interested in learning more about a certain type of plant, you can help identify it based upon the leaf shape. A leaf margin, also known as a leaf blade edge, is the outside shape of the leaf. This is what lobes refer to. Common types of lobed leaves include simple, pinnate and palmate.

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the leaf on a table or work space where you can examine it.
- 2
  Look at the leaf you are trying to identify. If the leaf looks like it has fingers, these are considered lobes. There can be anywhere from two to many lobes on a leaf.
- 3
  Distinguish pinnate leaves from palmate leaves by looking at the veins on the underside of the leaf. If the veins all come from the same place at the base of the leaf it is considered palmately lobed. If they are formed at various places on the leaf from one center line, the leaf is pinnately lobed.
- 4
  Identify the type of leaf by using a leaf dictionary or an online source, such as a government or state university website.

Nature