The word 'sturdy-leaved' is a compound adjective formed from 'sturdy' and 'leaved'. 'Sturdy' originates from Middle English 'stourdi', meaning 'strong' or 'hardy', and 'leaved' is derived from the Old English 'lēaf', meaning 'leaf'.

'Sturdy' evolved from the Middle English 'stourdi', while 'leaved' comes from the Old English 'lēaf'. The combination of these words into 'sturdy-leaved' is a modern English formation.

Initially, 'sturdy' meant 'strong' or 'hardy', and 'leaved' referred to having leaves. The combination maintains the original meanings, describing plants with strong leaves.