What Tree Leaf Has Seven Leaves on One Stem?

Ash Trees

• Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) are native throughout various parts of the United States. The compound leaves of ash trees are often odd-numbered with opposite alignment. The leaves are arranged in pairs with one leaflet at the tip of the stem. Most species grow in USDA zones 3 through 9, although hardiness varies among species. Other characteristics include gray, somewhat coarse bark and single-winged seeds called samaras, which hang in clusters from the branches. Ash trees have five to 11 leaflets per leaf.

Hickory

• Hickory trees (Carya spp.) also have alternate compound leaves with opposite leaflets. Mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) has seven to nine leaflets; pignut hickory typically has five to seven; and shagbark hickory has five or more. The three end leaflets on hickory are typically larger than the other leaflets. The bark, which ranges from tight ridges to shaggy plates, is the more commonly used identification feature of hickories as it is more distinguishable from that of other trees.

Black Locust

• Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) has alternate, compound leaves with seven to 21 leaflets per stem. Unlike many other compound leaves, the leaflets are rounded instead of pointed. The flowers of black locust are one of its distinguishing characteristics: They're arranged in long, dangling clusters and are white and very fragrant. Black locust is a U.S. native but it's also found as an ornamental tree in nurseries. This spring-blooming favorite grows in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Yellowwood

• Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentuckea) grows in USDA zones 4 through 8. Like the black locust, the leaflets are more rounded than many others but have a very slight point at the tip. The leaflets range from 2 to 4 inches long on 8- to 12-inch long leaves. Its round growing habit, medium size and fragrant, showy flowers make yellowwood a suitable landscape tree.

Japanese Pagoda Tree

• Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) grows in USDA zones 5 through 8 and is used heavily as an ornamental landscape tree. The alternate compound leaves contain seven to 17, 1- to 2-inch long leaflets per stem. An interesting characteristic of the Japanese pagoda tree is that its leaves don't change color in autumn but drop when they're green or yellowish-green.