'small-leaved' originates from the combination of 'small' and 'leaved', where 'small' meant 'little in size' and 'leaved' referred to 'having leaves'.

'small-leaved' evolved from the Old English word 'smæl' for 'small' and 'leafed' for 'having leaves', eventually becoming the modern English word 'small-leaved'.

Initially, it meant 'having little leaves', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having small leaves'.