A rose leaf is composed of three or more leaflets that attach to the petiole. Most garden roses have 3-, 5-, or 7-leaflet leaves. Species roses have leaves with 3- up to 17-leaflets.

The small stem attachment -- or its absence -- between the leaflet and the petiole, is known as the petiolule. Whether leaflets are attached with a petiolule or attach directly to the petiole can be an identifying characteristic.