also: うわえ · ほつえ
noun
upper branches of a tree
Refers to the higher branches of a tree, often contrasted with 下枝 (lower branches).
See also: 下枝
上枝に鳥がとまっている。
A bird is perched on the upper branch.
上枝の葉が風に揺れている。
The leaves on the upper branches are swaying in the wind.
下枝 means lower branches, the opposite of 上枝.
Compound of 上 (うわ, upper) and 枝 (えだ, branch). The reading ほつえ is an older form.