Why Leaves Change Color, as Explained by Cornerstoregoddess

by Cornerstoregoddess

Tree leaves are jammed with chlorophyll

Until long nights restore a chill.

Chlorophyll keeps leaves their greenest

But without sun, greening's leanest.

Also inside each green leaf

Are pigments with names less than brief.

Like this one: Anthocyanins ~

(It's leaf color vitamins).

Carotenoids reside inside

But Chlorophyll makes pigments hide.

So when the Chlorophyll stops pumping

These two pigments get to jumping.

Anthocyanins, et al

Bring red colors to the fall

Carotenoids and their fellows

Make the oranges and yellows.

And leaves that once were deepest green

Redress and prep for their next scene.

Leafy earrings can be found here and here.


Check here for autumnal delights.