Why Leaves Change Color

Tree leaves are jammed with chlorophyll
Until long nights restore a chill.
Chlorophyll keeps leaves their greenest
But without sun the greening's leanest.




Also inside each green leaf
Are pigments with names less than brief.
For instance Anthocyanins ~
(Leaf color kind of 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 reddish colors to the fall
While Carotenoids and their fellows
Make the oranges and yellows.



And leaves that once were deepest green
Redress and prep for their next scene.



Check here for autumnal delights.