Since hostas are monocots, they have parallel leaf veins. The veins originate at the base of the central point of the leaf blade so they are displayed in pairs. The veins that come from the area where the petiole merges with the leaf blade will curve outwards as the leaf widens and then begin to curve inwards toward the tip of the leaf.

One of the characteristics used to distinguish hosta cultivars is to count the number of pairs of veins. This, in combination with one or more of the other traits such as a rippled leaf margin may help to identify the cultivar name. Be aware that the number of leaf veins listed should be that of a mature plant. Younger, juvenile plants of the same cultivar may have fewer vein pairs.