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Tt: RE: fall colors - not always as it seems.
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I couldn't help but reply to the posting regarding conifers and fall
color. There are some interesting questions posed here. But as in so many
questions, there are things seen and things unseen - to the untrained eye
or the unaware.
IMHO, exceptions exist to almost every rule. Regarding conifers and their
retention of foliage and chlorophyll, most actually do turn color and then
drop leaves (needles). It is just that the typical conifer retains 2 to 5
years worth of foliage before shedding the leaves. A common question for
people who are unaware of the vagaries of nature to ask if there is
something wrong with their Pine, Spruce... when it is shedding needles.
I am not a fall colors expert by any stretch, nor am I a physiologist.
Therefore I cannot answer the question if there is absorption of
chlorophyll and other complex carbohydrates in conifers.
Also, at least one notable exception exists to the rule of conifers being
evergreen. The Larch (Larix sp.; Dirr lists 3 species) are deciduous
conifers; ie. they bear their seeds in cone structures (conifers) and lose
their leaves each year (deciduous). They exhibit spectacular yellow fall
color, as well as feathery foliage during the growing season. They are not
unattractive in winter, although there is the classic story of one errantly
being cut down as a "favor" to a homeowner in the dormant season.
Just adding my 2 cents worth.
Thanks for reading.
J. L. Johnson
On Mon, 29 Sep 1997 20:44:31 -0700,
Treetown@Majordomo.Flora.Com wrote...
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>I am not a forester, although I recently joined the staff of a nonprofit
>organization that supports urban and community forestry. Recently I was
>asked to speak to kindergarteners about fall colors. To prepare, I read
>as much as possible about why trees change color in fall (anthocyanins
>etc.) I was afraid the students would ask me about conifers as well!
>Began wondering myself why "evergreens" do not change color. Do they
>continue food production in fall and winter? If not, why isn't
>chlorophyll absorbed (sic) as in deciduous trees so that the various
>reds, yellows and oranges are seen? :-)
>thanks for any light you can shed on this for me - Sue Nickler, Forest
>ReLeaf of Missouri - moreleaf@anet-stl.com
>PS - from Maryland myself and enjoy reading about urban forestry in
>Baltimore area. Keep up the good work!
>
>
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J. L. Johnson
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Chanhassen, MN 55317-0039
johns345@maroon.tc.umn.edu
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