I know why leaves change colors, but why are some red, and others yellow or orange?

Brainyblonde

Other chemical changes may occur and cause the formation of additional pigments that vary from yellow to red to blue. The colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season. Fall weather conditions favoring formation of brilliant red autumn color are warm sunny days followed by cool, nights with temperatures below 45o F. Much sugar is made in the leaves during the daytime, but cool nights prevent movement of, sugar from the leaves. From the sugars trapped in the leaves the red pigment called anthocyanin is formed. The degree of color may vary from tree to tree. For example, leaves directly exposed to the sun may turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree or on other trees in the shade may be yellow. The foliage of some tree species just turns dull brown from death and decay and never shows bright colors. Also, the colors on the same tree may vary from year to year, depending upon the combination of weather conditions. The most vivid colors appear after a warm dry summer and early autumn rains which prevent early leaf fall. Long periods of wet weather in late fall produces a rather drab coloration. Droughts favor anthocyanin formation principally due to the indirect effects of soil water deficiency upon the metabolism of the plants. Drought conditions also favor red pigment formation due to the reduction of nitrate absorption. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/topics/leafco~1.html Oct 05 06, 9:52 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Why do leaves change colors in the fall? Why is orange juice yellow? Why were blue, yellow, black, green, and red chosen for the colors of the Olympic rings? On a similar note to egg colours, why is it that plants of the same species have different coloured stems and leaves? I am growing beans, some plants are light green others are dark. Why?

1 "Red" (Three Colors Trilogy) If you eavesdrop on your neighbors, you may hear them playing this "Three Colors" trilogy quiz. Foreign film fans unite. This one's for you. Three Colors Trilogy, The Tough 10 Q AzAlanisfan Aug 17 03 105 plays 2 Shopping in "Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow" This quiz is about items bought throughout Kanto in "Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow" each for the Game Boy systems. If you shop till you drop in these games, you should have an easy time with this quiz. Good luck! Pokemon Red/ Blue/Yellow Average 10 Q kyleisalive Jun 25 06 396 plays 3 General "Red, Blue, and Yellow" Facts See if this quiz about general "Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow" info can pique your interest. These games are for the Game Boy. Good luck! Pokemon Red/ Blue/Yellow Average 10 Q kyleisalive Jun 07 06 1533 plays