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Newly Emerged Leaves
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) leaves just beginning their growth. But why are they red? The red coloring often seen in new leaves is because of anthocyanin, a pigment which give those leaves that coloring. As the leaves mature and begin the process of photosynthesis, they gain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which gives them the coloring which…
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After the Pink
First comes the bubblegum pink of the Redbud (Cercis canadensis) flowers. Now as the blooms drop to the ground the leaves are making their way into the world. The leaves are first blushed with red then to the green we know through spring and into summer. The green indicates the presence of chlorophyll which is…