Leaf or Leaflet?

Basic Botany for Foragers

If you’re not familiar with the terminology of botany, the word ‘leaflet’ might just seem to indicate a little leaf. And while leaflets can be small, that’s not exactly what the botanical term is used to designate.

Understanding the difference between leaves and leaflets can help us be more confident about the identification of plants we bring to our table. Practicing mindful observation also helps us connect with the natural world. And ultimately, that is part of the pleasure of foraging.

Botanically speaking, a leaflet is part of what is known as a ‘compound leaf.’ Determining whether a plant has compound leaves or ‘simple leaves’ (in botany speak), can be essential to making a correct identification. To determine whether the plant we are considering has compound leaves or simple leaves, we must look at the plant carefully beyond just the leaf or leaflet in questio…