This glossary definition is part of the Purdue Arboretum learning resource database, providing educational information on campus flora, morphology, and botanical terminology.
Cordate
Having a heart-shaped outline. Botanists use this feature to describe leaf shape, surface, edge, or arrangement, which helps with plant identification.
Did you know?
Redbud leaves are a familiar example of cordate leaves, with a heart-shaped outline.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations