Broad-leaved tree

A broad-leaved tree or broad-leaf tree or broadleaf tree is any tree that has wide leaves, rather than slim, needle-like leaves as found in conifers. Most broad-leaved trees are deciduous, such as birch, elm, oak, and maple, but some such as arbutus and live oak are evergreen; the latter type are most common in subtropical or tropical climates.

Most broad-leaved trees are angiosperms (flowering plants), though a few, such as Ginkgo biloba, are gymnosperms. Instead, broad-leaf tree are defined by morphological characteristics. The leaves of these trees tend to have a network of veins throughout the leaf. Most broad-leaved trees divide into branches not far above the ground instead of having a main trunk go all the way to the top (these characteristics, however, are typical and do not apply to all broad-leaved trees).