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 we expect.

Seems like magic to me!

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