Marcescence
Beeches, oaks and hornbeams hold on to their leaves through most of the winter - a phenomena called marcescence.
February 7, 2025
In autumn, a layer of cells develops between a tree and their leaf stems, blocking the flow of sap to the leaf. As a result, most deciduous trees' leaves dry up and fall to the ground. However, beeches, oaks, and hornbeams hold onto their leaves throughout the winter, a phenomenon known as marcescence.
Marcescence remains poorly understood.
One theory is that marcescent trees adapted to harsh growing conditions. By keeping their leaves, they can take advantage of the nutrients released when those leaves eventually fall in the spring.
Experiments suggest that exposing leaves to sunlight can speed up photodegradation, which may help them break down more easily once they finally drop from the tree.
