Abstract In this work, dispersive wave propagation in plant leaves is studied using a long distance laser-based ultrasonic method. Guided waves traveling through and along the midrib, as well as in the lamina, are measured and analyzed via wave attenuation, characteristic diagram and dispersion curves. Additionally, an estimation of the leaf elastic properties using the Rayleigh–Lamb model, supported by thickness-resonance frequency constraints, is proposed. This study paves the way for the development of acoustic fingerprints for the identification of leaves and their non-invasive and fairly non-destructive mechanical characterization, which is highly related to the plant hydraulics and photosynthetic activity.