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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