smallleaf

Smallleaf is a common name used in botany and horticulture to describe plants whose leaves are notably small compared with related taxa. It is not a taxonomic designation and does not refer to a single lineage; rather, the term applies to multiple species and cultivars across different genera that share a reduced leaf size, often resulting in a compact growth habit.

In the wild, small-leaved plants occur in a range of environments—from alpine to coastal habitats—where small leaves help reduce water loss, wind resistance, and thermal load. The leaves are typically only a few millimeters to a few centimeters long, depending on the species, and may be accompanied by other adaptations such as reduced internode length or pubescence.

In cultivation, smallleaf selections are valued for dense, tidy forms suitable for hedges, edging, rock gardens, groundcovers, and even bonsai. They are often chosen for their compact habit, year-round structure, and tolerance to pruning and drought, making them versatile for small-space landscaping and ornamental use.

Taxonomic note: because "smallleaf" is informal, it appears on horticultural labels and catalogs rather than in scientific classifications. The term helps gardeners and professionals convey a shared trait—small leaves—without implying a specific scientific identity.