Colorful Leaf Layers

October 25, 2016

Autumn (1)

October 2016 Viewer's ChoicePhotographer: Sylvie Pighini
Summary AuthorsSylvie Pighini; Jim Foster

Shown above is a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Schönbrunn Park, Vienna, Austria, surrounded by its recently shed leaves, which here are differentiated by color. While it's not uncommon for a tree to have leaves of two color hues, it's odd that the different colors are so stratified. In general, deciduous trees in Europe show less color in autumn than their North American or Asian counterparts. Reds are rather rare and yellow or gold is the predominant color. Geography plays a major role in why this is the case.

The emerald green of the grass strip separating the newly fallen leaves from the first fallen ones is perhaps the most eye-catching color. In the foreground at top the still green leaves of a maple can be seen. Photo taken on November 23, 2014.

Photo Details: Nikon D3000 camera; AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm lens; f/3.5-5.6 G ED II; ISO 200; 55mm; ƒ/5.6; 1/30 sec. exposure; Retouched using Lightroom.

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