Is foliage the same as leaves?

Almost. "Leaves" is the everyday word, and "foliage" is the collective, more descriptive word.

Is foliage formal or informal?

It is slightly formal and common in writing, especially in descriptions of nature.

Can I use foliage for grass or flowers?

Usually, no. It mainly refers to leaves and leafy plant growth.

← Dictionary

foliage

/ˈfəʊ.li.ɪdʒ/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Foliage is the leaves of a plant or tree, especially when looked at as a group. It can also mean the leafy growth in an area.

The garden was full of thick green foliage.
Autumn foliage covered the forest path.

Adinary Nuance

Foliage is more general and more natural than "leaves" when you mean the leafy covering of a plant, tree, or landscape. Writers often choose "foliage" in descriptions of nature, scenery, or seasons. "Leaves" is more everyday and direct, while "foliage" sounds a little more formal and pictorial.

In other languages

Vietnamese: tán lá
Spanish: follaje
Chinese: 叶子
Japanese: 葉
Korean: 잎

Etymology

Foliage comes from French, from Old French foliage, based on folium, the Latin word for "leaf." It entered English in the late Middle Ages.

Common phrases

dense foliagelush foliageautumn foliagefoliage cover

Synonyms

leaves leafage greenery

Related words

plant tree branch canopy

Frequently asked questions

Is foliage the same as leaves?: Almost. "Leaves" is the everyday word, and "foliage" is the collective, more descriptive word.
Is foliage formal or informal?: It is slightly formal and common in writing, especially in descriptions of nature.
Can I use foliage for grass or flowers?: Usually, no. It mainly refers to leaves and leafy plant growth.