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 we expect.

Seems like magic to me!

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Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

2 thoughts on “Newly Emerged Leaves”

    1. Hahaha! Not all that smart Joyce. I’m just fascinated by such things, and Google provides the answers to my curiosity.

      Looking forward to seeing you again at yoga after the one week break next week.

      Thanks for reading my posts!
      Bren

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