Oak Tree Leaves
May 27, 2020
Photographer: John Stetson
Summary Author: John Stetson
Shown above are oak leaves observed in southern Maine in the opening days of May when deciduous leaves are just coming out. Leaves of some oaks don’t fall in autumn; they remain attached until spring. By holding onto its leaves, oak trees might keep deer and other herbivores from eating its buds and twigs. At left is a marcescent leaf. At right, leaves are just emerging. These leaves were on the same tree at the same time.