February 16, 2026
Half way up the mountain to our cabin, at the side of the road, a stately White Oak tree (Quercus alba). It sits there as an example of something I love about winter, the black and white landscape. With a quick glance this picture actually does look like it’s black and white. But there are brown leaves that are hanging on the tree, an example of marcescence, the leaves not dropping until spring. And there is a pine on the right that is a very dark green. So technically, not the landscape I think of.
That’s okay. I can pretend that it is a black and white landscape. Something that I will have to sketch with pen and ink, one of these days.
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2 responses to “Half Way Up”
Hi Bren. I’ve noticed this quite often during winter, but never knew it had a name. We have several oaks around here that still have their leaves. I would love to see your sketches. Have a wonderful day!
Diane
There is a young Quercus alba (approx. 6 yrs old) that stands in my yard, and brings some lasting color to winter’s palette. And a clear sign of spring is when those dried leaves are pushed off by a burst of tender buds.