Alternate, Opposite, Subopposite and Whorled Leaves

 

Many plant identification guides group species by how their leaves are arranged on their stems. From left to right above are four common patterns:

• Alternate: One leaf per node
• Opposite: Two leaves per node
• Subopposite: Almost opposite
• Whorled: Three or more leaves per node.

Looking for the leaf arrangement is a good first step to identifying a plant. For more examples, see this video tutorial.