Leaf Arrangement (Alternate, Opposite, Whorled, Basal, Rosette)

Leaf arrangement is useful for plant identification. Here are four common patterns you can use.

Alternate leaves connect to the stem one at a time.

White Alder – drawing © John Muir Laws

Opposite leaves connect to the stem in pairs.

Creeping Snowberry – drawing © John Muir Laws

Whorled leaves connect to the stem in groups, making a whorl.

Blake’s Prince’s Pine – drawing © John Muir Laws

Basal leaves connect to the base of the plant.

Basal leaves form a rosette if they point in many directions, forming a circle.

Coast Dandelion – photo Zoya Akulova-Barlow

Corrections/Comments: bruce@PlantID.net