
Trees With Small Leaves
When you think of trees, what comes to mind? The big, leafy giants that tower over us all? While those trees are certainly beautiful, there is another kind of tree that is just as amazing, but much smaller in stature.
These trees have small leaves, and can be found all over the world. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best trees with small leaves that you can find.
Top 10 Trees With Small Leaves
Trees with small leaves are often overlooked, but they are just as beautiful and amazing as their larger counterparts. Here are some of the best trees with small leaves that you can find:
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
One of the most popular trees with small leaves is the Japanese Maple. This tree is known for its beautiful, deeply-lobed leaves that turn a stunning red in autumn. The Japanese Maple is a perfect choice for smaller gardens as it only grows to around 15 feet tall.
2. European olive tree (Olea europaea)
The European olive tree is a species of olive tree native to the Mediterranean Basin. The tree is an evergreen, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round. Olive trees are known for their small, dark green leaves.
Olive trees are grown commercially for their fruit and oil. The fruit of the European olive tree is called an olive. Olives are a type of drupe, which is a fruit with a hard pit inside. The oil from olives is used in cooking and cosmetics.
3. Aralia tree (Fatsia japonica)
The Aralia tree is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to eastern Asia. The Aralia tree grows to a height of 15-20 feet, and has small, glossy leaves.
The tree produces white flowers that bloom in the summer. The Aralia tree is an evergreen, and is also drought tolerant. The tree is also known as the Japanese Aralia and is a popular ornamental plant.
4. Orange tree (Citrus sinensis)
The orange tree is a popular choice for homeowners due to its small leaves and beautiful blossoms. This citrus tree can grow up to 20 feet tall, and produces fruit that is rich in Vitamin C.
The orange tree does best in warm climates and should be protected from frost. If you live in a cold climate, you can grow an orange tree in a container and bring it indoors during the winter months.
5. Mini schefflera arboricola (false aralia)
This tree is often used as a houseplant because it thrives in shady, indoor conditions. It has small, dark green leaves, and can grow up to eight feet tall.
False aralia is a low-maintenance tree that makes a great addition to any home. In early summer, the tree produces small, white flowers.
6. Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera)
The drumstick tree grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The leaves are small and oval-shaped. They are green when young and turn yellow or brown when older.
The flowers are white, pink, or purple. The fruit is a long, thin, curved pod that contains black seeds. The tree can grow up to 30 feet (nine meters) tall. The drumstick tree is native to India and Pakistan. It has been introduced to other countries, including Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
The tree is grown for its leaves, flowers, and fruit. The leaves are used as a vegetable in soups and curries. They are also dried and powdered to make tea. The flowers, however, are typically used in salads. The fruit is eaten fresh or cooked.
7. African Talisay (Erythrina abyssinica)
The African Talisay is a beautiful tree with small, delicate leaves. It’s native to Ethiopia and Somalia, and it’s one of the few trees that can grow in the extremely dry conditions of the Sahara Desert.
The African Talisay is also known as the “desert rose” because its pink flowers look like roses. This tree is very drought-tolerant, and it can grow in poor soils. The African Talisay is a popular tree in landscaping because it’s so easy to care for.
8. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Flowering dogwood is a small tree that is native to the eastern United States. The flowers are white, and the leaves are small and deciduous.
The flowering dogwood is a popular ornamental tree, and it is often used in landscaping. The tree grows to a height of 20-30 feet, and the branches are spreading. The bark is smooth, and the leaves are opposite.
The flowers of the flowering dogwood are white, and they bloom in the spring. The fruit is a red drupe, and it is eaten by birds. These small trees are also a food source for deer, squirrels, and other animals.
9. Palo blanco (Leucaena pallida)
Palo blanco is a small, fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 15 to 25 feet. It has white flowers and small, dark green leaves. The leaves are used in folk medicine as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
This tree is native to Mexico and Central America. Palo blanco is a good tree for small gardens and landscapes. It can be used as a hedge or screen, and it makes an excellent windbreak.
This tree is also good for erosion control on slopes. Palo blanco can be grown from seed, but it is often propagated by cuttings.
10. Cascalote (Vachellia farnesiana)
The cascalote tree is a legume tree native to Central America and Mexico. It can grow up to 30 feet tall, and has small, dark green leaves.
The tree produces small, yellow flowers that turn into brown pods filled with seeds. The cascalote tree is used for timber, fuelwood, and shade. These deciduous trees are also grown as an ornamental tree.
These are just some of the most lovely trees with small leaves that you can find. Many trees with small leaves are easy to care for, and they make a great addition to any home.
Benefits of Trees With Small Leaves
Trees with small leaves have many benefits that make them ideal for landscaping. Here are some of the advantages of trees with small leaves:
- They are low maintenance - Trees with small leaves don't require as much pruning and trimming as those with large leaves. This makes them easier to care for, saving you time and money.
- They are drought tolerant - Small-leaved trees are more resistant to drought than their larger-leaved counterparts. This means they're a great choice for areas that experience periods of drought.
- They provide shade - It can provide much-needed shade in hot, sunny climates. This can help keep your home cooler, and reduce your energy costs.
- They are wind resistant - These kinds of trees are less likely to be damaged by high winds than those with large leaves. This makes them a good choice for areas that are prone to strong winds.
These are just a few of the benefits of trees with small leaves. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant tree that can provide shade and wind resistance, then a small-leaved tree is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do oak trees, maple trees, and ash trees have small leaves?
Oak trees, maple trees, and ash trees can have either small or large leaves, depending on the tree species. There are many different species of these trees, so it’s best to check with your local nursery or garden center to find out which type is best for your landscape.
Does compound leaf and leaf blade have the same meaning?
No, compound leaf and leaf blade do not have the same meaning. A compound leaf is a type of leaf that has two or more leaflets. A leaf blade is the flattened part of the leaf that typically has veins running through it.
Does pinnately compound leaves mean that a tree has small leaves?
The answer is no; the term pinnately compound simply refers to the leaf arrangement on the stem. Pinnately compound leaves can be found on both large and small trees. The leaflets on these types of leaves are arranged on either side of a central rachis or main axis.
Trees with small leaves are a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance tree. They are also a good choice for those who live in areas with high winds or heavy rains, as their leaves are less likely to blow away or get damaged in storms. If you’re looking for a tree that will add beauty and value to your home, consider a tree with small leaves.