How Does a Leaf Know When to Change Color?

A leaf changes color because it gets colder, and the green stuff starts to go away. When summer ends, the days get shorter, and the tree thinks it's time to rest. The green part of the leaf, called chlorophyll, disappears, and other colors like yellow and red come out. That’s why leaves look pretty in the fall.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A tree in the forest notices days are getting shorter and sends a message to its leaves: ‘It’s time to change color.’
  2. Like when you stop eating your favorite candy, your stomach feels empty, the leaf stops using chlorophyll and other colors show up.
  3. When a tree gets cold, it tells its leaves to say goodbye by turning them orange or red.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity

Nothing here yet.