Colorful Leaves

Nature can produce some of the most vibrant colors. It can almost seem pretty random, like, why isn't everything just green or orange? Well, the main reasons are environmental factors.

Chlorophyll is the most common pigment and is responsible for photosynthesis. It plays a key role by absorbing blue and red light while reflecting green light. When leaves are at their greenest, that means more chlorophyll is present.

Anthocyanins are another pigment found in plants and leaves, and they are produced in certain environmental conditions like cooler temperatures and increased sunlight. They help protect leaves from UV light.

Carotenoids are pigments that produce yellow, orange, and red colors. They are present in leaves throughout the year and become more visible as chlorophyll breaks down in the fall. They also help in photosynthesis by capturing light energy.