🌱 Small-leaved 🌳 A small-leaved tree

littleleaf

6.1

Having small leaves on a plant or tree

adjective
/ˈlɪtəlˌliːf/

Specialized

: de hoja pequeña

The littleleaf plant thrives in dry conditions.

Examples

The littleleaf linden is popular for its compact size and attractive foliage.
Gardeners often choose littleleaf varieties for hedges that require minimal trimming.
This species is known for its littleleaf appearance compared to other members of its genus.
A littleleaf variety of the shrub is very popular.
The gardener chose littleleaf varieties for their compact size and unique appearance.
In the botanical garden, visitors admired the littleleaf shrubs that added character to the landscape.
The littleleaf oak is known for its small, intricate leaves that provide a delicate look.

Synonyms

microphyllous

vslittleleaf

Specialized

9.9

Having very small leaves in some plants

is the common descriptive term used for small leaves rather than scientific form

fine-leaved

vslittleleaf

5.8

Having thin, narrow leaves

focuses on small or unusually small leaf size rather than narrow shape

fine-leafed

vslittleleaf

5.6

Having thin, divided leaves that give a delicate look

refers to small leaf size rather than divided or narrow structure

Antonyms

large-leafed

3.3

A plant with large leaves, like many tropical houseplants

broadleaf

Specialized

4.2

A plant or tree with wide flat leaves rather than needles

How Small-Leaved

littleleaf

Specialized

6.1

large-leaved

3.6

Surface Forms

littleleaf positive

Morphology

littleleaf = little + leaf (transparent) = little + leaf

The meaning 'having small leaves' is a straightforward descriptive combination of 'little' + 'leaf' and is predictable to learners.

Etymology

The word littleleaf combines little ('small') and leaf ('leaf'), so it describes plants or plant parts with very small leaves. That's why gardeners call a variety littleleaf when its leaves look compact and need less trimming.