noun
fresh leaves; young green leaves
Refers to the new, vibrant green leaves of spring and early summer. Often used poetically or in seasonal descriptions.
庭の木々に青葉が茂り始めた。
The trees in the garden have started to grow fresh green leaves.
青葉の季節になると、公園が一番美しい。
When the season of fresh leaves comes, the park is at its most beautiful.
Compound of 青 (あお, 'blue/green') and 葉 (は, 'leaf'), with rendaku voicing of は to ば. The word has been used since Old Japanese to describe the fresh green leaves of spring and summer.