Autumn Leaf Colors (revised)
University Outreach Publication
Formation process and expression of fall leaf color in trees.
Trees have many strategies for life. Some grow fast and die young, others grow slow and live a long
time. Some trees colonize new soils and new space, while other trees survive and thrive in the midst of old
forests. A number of trees invest in leaves which survive several growing seasons, while other trees grow new
leaves every growing season. One of the most intriguing and beautiful result of tree life strategies is autumn leaf
coloration among deciduous trees.
An eco-centric human might imagine tree leaves change colors just for a visual feast. But, what we see
as fall coloration is a planned passage to rest by temperate region trees avoiding the liabilities of Winter. In
human terms, we are allowed to witness trees getting ready for bed to assure a Spring filled with opportunities
for growth.
Why do trees express colors in Fall? Research has suggested many reasons over many years. The
most enduring and tested reasons for Fall color include five groups of research citations.
WSFNR08-32
Dr. Kim D. Coder
September 2008
Warnell School, University of Georgia
Athens, GA, USA
7
Click here to download article as a PDF.
WSFNR08-32
Aesthetics, Abiotic Factors, Biology (tree), Ecology, Forest Health, Health (tree), Landscape Ecology, Silvics
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern, Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Piedmont, Southeast, Southern
Other
