I always appreciate that the American Beech trees keep their leaves into the winter. They're lovely in the sunlight #NativePlants 🌿 - ThreadSky

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gettoknownature.bsky.social • 4 days ago

I always appreciate that the American Beech trees keep their leaves into the winter. They're lovely in the sunlight

#NativePlants 🌿

British beech trees do that too. Nice to know we still have some things I'm common!

Yes!

Some use beech for hedging because of this leaf keeping. Even in winter you can't see through.

They are great. But I want to know why they do this. What benefit does it bring? Has anyone studied this?

The phenomenon is called marcescence and there are several theories but I don't think anyone knows for certain.

Nice, easily testable theories in that article. Thanks for sharing.

Well, if Ned doesn’t know, then it really is a mystery!

Seeing these lovely leaves reminds me that beauty surrounds us no matter what.

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