Oak Tree Leaves

May 27, 2020

Oak
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.