Fall Colors Mark Seasonal Change
The changing of the seasons, especially from summer to fall, is a welcome shift, bringing cool, crisp mornings and cooler days.
One! of the first signs of summer's end is the yellowing of cottonwood tree leaves, soon followed by the vibrant reds and oranges of maples and oaks.
While New England is renowned for its fall foliage, Kansas also boasts a stunning display of autumn colors.
Why Trees Change Colors
A recent article from the Horticulture Department explains that the variation in fall colors is due to specific plant pigments, which determine individual colors.
- Chlorophyll gives foliage its normal green color, capturing the sun's energy.
- Other pigments produce the striking colors of fall, including red, purple, yellow, orange, and brown.
Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation.
Author's summary: Fall colors signal seasonal change with vibrant hues.