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Autumn Leaves
Why do the leaves change? You probably learned about chlorophyll and the life cycle of plants in school, but there are many other factors. Leaf pigment, the length of the night, and weather are the three strongest influences. The longer and cooler the nights get, the sooner you'll start to see the leaves change color.
How do we get those beautiful colors? Plants contain three pigments: chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. What do those big words mean? We know from our school days that chlorophyll is what makes leaves green. The other two give color to bright red and orange fruits and vegetables like corn, carrots, red apples, and cherries. When the weather gets cold and the plants stop producing chlorophyll, those reds and oranges are uncovered in the leaves.
When do the leaves start falling? When the days get shorter and sunlight becomes less intense. With less sunlight, leaves eventually disconnect from the veins in the trees and fall off.
Where are the best places to see fall foliage? New England is the most famous area, of course, but there are beautiful colors all over the country. In the eastern part of the United States, you're more likely to see bright reds and oranges; to the west, more yellows and golds, contrasted with evergreens and firs. Many mountain ranges, such as the Rockies and Appalachians, are also ideal for fall foliage viewing.
When should I start looking for fall foliage? It's very hard to tell! But the season tends to start around late September in New England and move downwards, so you can start seeing those beautiful reds and oranges in he south around early November. If you're going to the mountains for viewing, remember that the cooler weather at higher altitudes will turn the leaves faster than in low-lying areas.
If you're looking for more answers or regional information, try these sites:
-- The Foliage Network
-- IntelliCast
This news arrived on: 09/12/2006
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