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.
Granite Mousetail – drawing © John Muir Laws
Basal
leaves form a rosette if they point in many directions, forming a circle.
Coast Dandelion – photo Zoya Akulova-Barlow
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