Which ones have simple leaves (a single leaf on a leaf stem) and which have compound leaves ... tulip tree and sweet gum 5-6 inches). Find a branch with leaves on it. xLeaf arrangement: alternate (Figure 2). The leaves are simple, deciduous and arranged alternately on the stem. The margins, or edges, of the simple leaf can be smooth, jagged, lobed, or parted. These 5 to 11 leaflets compose a single leaf. Opposite leaves are just what they sound like: the leaves, whether simple or compound, are located directly across from each other on the same leaf stem. The tradeoff for these perks is a source of aggravation for some gardeners: round, spiny fruits, or balls, that litter the ground, making a simple walk across the yard a precarious one. An Ash tree has a compound leaf structure, rather than a single leaf structure. Tulip Poplar Tulip poplar trees have leaves that are cleft on each side with a shallow notch at the leaf tip, resulting in a tulip-shape. A simple leaf is not further divided into type while compound leaves are subdivided according to the arrangement of leaflets. Leaf type: simple Leaf margin: serrate Leaf shape: star-shaped Leaf venation: palmate Leaf type and persistence: deciduous Leaf blade length: 4 to 6 inches A simple leaf has a single part while a compound leaf has three or more parts Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Interesting Information About Plant: The tree received its name for the sweet taste and gummy feel of its sap. Height: 60 to 75 feet Spread: 35 to 50 feet Crown uniformity: symmetrical Crown shape: pyramidal, oval Crown density: moderate Growth rate: moderate Texture: coarse Foliage. Summer shade and vibrant fall leaf color are merits of the sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua). The leaves are glossy above, but underneath they have fine, short hairs along the veins. A sweet gum is a simple leaf. Nyssa sylvatica grows to 20–25 metres (66–82 ft) tall, rarely to 35 metres (115 ft), with a trunk diameter of 50–100 centimetres (20–39 in), rarely up to 170 centimetres (67 in). Description. Early Pioneers used to make chewing gum. The Sweet gum plant is from the genus Liquidambar and is a member of the deciduous hardwoods or Hamamelidaceae. Of the 13 trees indicated as having short leaf stems, 12 have stems considerably less than one inch long (most ½ inch or less), and one, black gum… Look for the thickened base of the stem, called a petiole, and decide whether there is a single leaf or 5 to 11 smaller leaflets that branch out from that point. Sweet gum tree leaves are star-shaped, with palmately-lobed simple leaves that have five even lobes pointed on the ends and spread out like an open hand. Lobed leaves will have gaps between lobes but will never reach the midrib. 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