Leaves may stay and function for few days to many years, largely determined by the adaptations to climatic conditions.
- Cauducuous (Fagacious): Falling off soon after formation, e.g., Opuntia and Cissus quadrangularis.
- Deciduous: Falling at the end of growing season so that the plant (tree or shrub) is leafless in winter / summer season, e.g., Maple, Plumeria, Launea and Erythrina.
- Evergreen: Leaves persist throughout the year, falling regularly so that tree is never leafless. e.g., Mimusops and Calophyllum.
- Marcescent: Leaves not falling but withering on the plant as in several members of Fagaceae.