broadleaf

Broadleaf refers to plants with broad, flat leaves, as opposed to the needle-like or scale-like leaves characteristic of many conifers. The term is widely used in botany, forestry, and horticulture to describe flowering plants (angiosperms) that produce wide blades for photosynthesis. Broadleaf plants include both deciduous species, which shed their leaves seasonally, and evergreen species, which retain leaves year-round. Leaves may be simple or compound, with a wide range of shapes, margins, and textures.

In temperate zones, broadleaf trees form deciduous forests, while in tropical regions, broadleaf forests comprise tall, diverse canopies known as tropical or subtropical broadleaf forests. The morphology and phenology of broadleaf species influence light capture, nutrient cycling, and habitat structure. Common examples include oaks (Quercus), maples (Acer), beeches (Fagus), and birches (Betula), as well as tropical hardwoods such as mahogany and ceiba.

In forestry and horticulture, broadleaf is often contrasted with conifer or softwood. Most hardwood timber comes from broadleaf trees, and broadleaf vegetation is widely used ornamentally in parks, gardens, and urban landscapes for shade and aesthetic value. The term also highlights the ecological and economic roles of these plants across different climates and ecosystems.