Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Leaves Through Winter?

Above: Oak trees at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve hold onto their leaves through winter. Photo by Erin Korsmo. At the end of fall, most deciduous trees lose their leaves for the winter season. In fact, the word deciduous comes from the Latin word decidere, which means to fall down or off. There are, however, a handful of deciduous trees around these parts that have a tendency to keep their leaves past fall. It is an interesting phenomenon that is not fully understood. But before we get to that, let’s go through a few of the basics.

Why do trees drop their leaves in the Fall? — The Living Urn

The Toronto Tree Thread, Page 25

Marcescence: Why Some Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter

Northland Nature: Ironwoods keep leaves all winter - Duluth News Tribune

Why do some trees keep their leaves longer in the fall than others

What Happens To Leaves During Winter?, Leaves

Why do some tree's dead leaves remain in winter? Ask tree service Columbus experts.

Why Do Some Trees Hold Onto Dead Leaves In Winter?

Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Leaves Through Winter?

Why do some tree's dead leaves remain in winter? Ask tree service Columbus experts.

Leaves in winter – marcescence