Why Leaves Change Color

Description:
The colors of autumn leaves are produced by changes in the pigments inside leaves.

What happens in autumn?

During the growing season, chlorophyll gives leaves their green color and helps plants capture energy from sunlight. As daylight and temperatures change, trees gradually reduce chlorophyll production.

Other pigments that were previously hidden become easier to see. Depending on the tree species and environmental conditions, leaves may become yellow, orange, red, or brown.

Nature's transformation: The colors we associate with autumn are already part of the leaf; they simply become more visible as chlorophyll decreases.