broad-leaved

[ brawd-leevd ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. of or relating to plants having broad or relatively broad leaves, rather than needles.

broad-leaved

adjective

1. denoting trees other than conifers, most of which have broad rather than needle-shaped leaves

broad-leaved

/ brôd′lēvd′ /

1. Having broad leaves rather than needlelike or scalelike leaves. Broad leaves are adapted to maximizing photosynthesis by capturing large amounts of sunlight. Since the gases that are exchanged with the atmosphere in photosynthesis must be dissolved in water, most broad-leaved plants grow in regions with dependable rainfall.
2. See more at leaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of broad-leaved¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

The set designer Adam Rigg’s storybook framework, with rolling hills and broad-leaved plants that look like cardboard cutouts, achieves grandeur without aloofness.

From New York Times

You’ll probably have the option of products made with classic needle evergreens, such as fir, spruce, juniper and cedar, and with broad-leaved evergreens, such as eucalyptus and magnolia, says Viveka Neveln, garden editor for bhg.com.

From Washington Post

OsDREB1C and similar genes are present not just in rice, wheat, and other grasses, but also in broad-leaved plants.

From Science Magazine

A precarious, winding road leads to the monastery, running through the Holy Mountain Wilderness, a national park of dense broad-leaved trees, and then onto a high, grassy plateau.

From New York Times

From the rooftop garden, planted with mimosa, rosemary, purple succulents and waxy broad-leaved farfugium, the view changes with the weather.

From New York Times