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Cherry trees are known for their beautiful blossoms in spring, but their leaves are attractive as well. Getting familiar with the range of cherry leaf shapes, textures, and colors can help you identify different cherry tree varieties. Here’s an overview of what cherry tree leaves typically look like.
Common Features
Most cherry leaves share some similar characteristics:
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Alternate arrangement – Leaves emerge singly with one leaf per node, alternating sides along branches and stems
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Deciduous – Cherry trees are deciduous, dropping their leaves in fall to conserve energy over winter.
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Petioles – Leaves attach to stems via petioles (leaf stems) up to 2-4 inches long.
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Stipules – Paired tiny leafy structures called stipules grow where petioles meet stems.
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Simple shape – Cherry leaves are simple leaves, with a single undivided blade
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Toothed margins – Leaf edges are finely toothed, with small rounded serrations.
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Netted veins – Veins forming net-like patterns are visible on the undersides
Size and Shape Variations
Cherry leaf sizes span a wide range from under 1 inch long to over 7 inches long depending on the variety. Shapes also differ between types.
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Wild cherry leaves are oval with pointed tips.
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Sweet cherry leaves are wider, elliptic to oblong in shape.
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Sour cherry leaves are more slender, lance-shaped.
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Ornamental cherry leaves are often broader, heart or fan-shaped.
Colors
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Young leaves often emerge reddish, turning green as they mature.
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Mature cherry leaves are generally a medium to dark green.
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Some ornamental varieties have reddish-bronze, purple-tinged or variegated leaves.
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Fall foliage color ranges from yellow to red depending on the cultivar.
Surface Textures
Leaf surfaces differ between shiny and dull:
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Sweet and sour cherries have glossy leaves.
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Wild and ornamental cherries usually have dull finishes.
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Hairy leaves occur on some ornamental varieties.
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Undersides may be smooth or have fuzzy brown hairs along veins.
Photographing Cherry Leaves
Cherry leaves make great photographic subjects to capture their range of forms and hues. Here are some tips:
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Focus on the uniqueness of each variety – heart-shaped, lance-like, giant, dwarf, etc.
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Capture the gradation of color through a tree’s foliage.
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Backlight or illuminate leaves to emphasizes venation.
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Photograph fresh spring growth and autumn tones.
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Isolate single leaves or small groups with blurred or plain backgrounds.
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Include leaves with flowers or fruit.
Summary
While cherry blossoms get more attention, the leaves offer visual diversity through countless shapes, sizes, surface textures, arrangements and colors. Noticing and photographing these details helps appreciate and identify the many existing cherry tree varieties.
Cherry Tree Leaf Identification
FAQ
How do I identify cherry tree leaves?
How do I tell if I have a cherry tree?
What’s the difference between a cherry tree and a cherry bush?
How do you identify a native cherry tree?
How many cherry tree leaves photos are available?
Browse 10,927 cherry tree leaves photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more. Browse Getty Images’ premium collection of high-quality, authentic Cherry Tree Leaves stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures.
Are cherry tree leaves stock photos royalty-free?
453,690 cherry tree leaves stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. See cherry tree leaves stock video clips
What do cherry trees look like?
Leaves appear on early-blooming cherry trees after the flowers. In fall, cherry tree leaves turn warm shades of orange, golden-yellow, bronze, and red. In summer, dense cherry tree foliage makes many species of cherry trees (Prunus) excellent shade trees in garden landscapes, parks, or residential streets.
How do you identify a cherry tree leaf?
Cherry tree leaves have distinct features that make them easy to identify: Edge: Serrated or toothed edges enhance their appearance. Surface: Glossy texture contributes to their vibrancy. Petiole: A short stem attaches the leaf to the branch. In spring and summer, cherry tree leaves add to the landscape’s lushness.
What do cherry trees look like in the fall?
Cherry tree leaves turn orange, golden-yellow, bronze, and red colors in the fall. Several cherry species (Prunus) are excellent shade trees in garden settings, parks, and residential streets during the summer when dense cherry tree leaves. The bark of cherry trees is brown to gray and has horizontal cuts in it.
What are cherry tree leaves?
Cherry tree leaves are more than just a backdrop to their stunning blooms. They add a vibrant touch to your garden or landscape throughout the seasons. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate shapes or the rich colors that change with the weather, there’s something truly special about these leaves.