What makes leaves colorful

It absorbs sunlight, making it critical for photosynthesis. An abundance of sun brings about an abundance of chlorophyll making it the dominant pigment. An article written by the Pennsylvanian Department of Conservation and Natural Resources explains that as autumn takes hold chlorophyll loses its edge, becoming dormant as the sunlight hours shrink and the temperatures cool down.

Since the leaves are no longer able to produce food for the tree, they break down chlorophyll, and orange and yellow pigments, called carotene and xanthophylls, surface. These pigments emerge in leaf cells to protect chlorophyll from damage. The vivid reds come from pigments called anthocyanins which are manufactures from sugars in the leaf.

The sugars are stored in the twigs for next spring when leaves emerge again. This cyclic pattern repeats itself every September in countries that experience seasonal weather. Although it might seem trivial, fall colors are one of those intangibles that make life exciting.

The quantity and quality of the color vary depending on weather, sunlight and soil moisture. An article by the department of Biology at Appalachian State University states that trees are extremely sensitive to environmental shifts.

However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cool not freezing day. Apply Give Partner. Gateways for Advanced Directory. Search ESF. James F. Why Leaves Change Color Leopold 's Guide to Fall Colors in Upstate New York The guide features color images of the fall foliage of 47 tree and shrub species.

Download the guide. E-Center Home. The orange pigments carotenoids are present in leaves year round and get to shine when the green chlorophyll takes a break. Because the orange pigments are constant, their showiness in the fall is predictable. But, the red pigments anthocyanins are created in the autumn in response to light, plant chemical changes, temperature, and water supply. This is where weather affects the brilliance of the fall color display.

Warm days and low temperatures above freezing at night boost the production of the red pigments, producing a more dazzling display. But early frosts weaken the colors. What weather makes for the best fall foliage show?

Moisture also plays a role. A warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn colors. Search for:. Above: Photograph by Meredith Heuer.