Leaf shape?

Question

what kind of leaf shape is sweet gum, oak, and yellow poplar??

Answer 1

sweetgum would be stellate (star shaped):  http://www.troop17.com/Tree_Identificati...

yellow poplar would be considered nearly orbicular (nearly round), although the tip is notched and there are a few broad lobes:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/slider5/280...

oaks have different shapes according to the species, ranging from linear as in willow oak:  http://www.bomengids.nl/usaoctober/pics/...

elliptical, as in shingle oak:  http://www.mtzion.k12.il.us/tree/Shingle...

oval, as in red oak:  http://www.mtzion.k12.il.us/tree/Shingle...

or obovate or spatulate as in blackjack oak:  http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/...

Remember that when determining leaf shapes, you're only interested in the overall shape, as if you connect the tips of all lobes or teeth together and ignore the lobes.  

The illustrations in this link will show you examples of leaf, apex (tip) and base shapes and their names:  http://www.texastreetrails.org/leaftwigi...

Answer 2

Check out this site;

http://www.texastreetrails.org/leaftwigi...