The simple leaves of Elaeodendron croceum, the common saffronwood are opposite, sometimes sub-opposite on pale cream petioles of up to 1 cm long.

The leaf-shape is oblong to broadly elliptic, occasionally ovate or obovate, with tapering tip and base, unless the tip is notched. The leaf margin is hardened with widely spaced, spine-like teeth, sharp and conspicuous on young leaves, losing teeth as they mature. The margins may be rolled under.

The hairless blades are dark green above, sometimes glossy and paler below or grey-green on both surfaces when young, stiff and leathery, sometimes curving down from base to tip. The midrib is prominent below, recessed above. Lateral veins ascend about straight to the margins but without reaching them, joining the next higher vein in a sometimes-visible border near the margins.

Leaf dimensions are 5 cm to 11 cm by 2 cm to 4 cm (Venter, 2012; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993).