Green shoots?
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Not oak, but new rose leaves.
Not all new spring growth is green. The leaves in the oak trees near us are a rich bronze-red colour when they emerge, turning green later on in the year. The red colour is from high levels of anthocyanins, which provide an important natural defence against damaging sunlight. The chlorophyll in young leaves is protected until the leaves mature, and turn first light and then darker green.
Red leaves are less likely to be eaten by pests. Studies have shown that red indicates that a plant is not good enough to eat, lacking nitrogen, or is tough and more difficult to chew. Additionally, some sick or dying plants have red leaves, so will be avoided by herbivores, both insect and mammal.
I have noticed that new leaves on some plants are red, but didn't realize that was the reason!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard about the red leaves either but it makes perfect sense!
ReplyDeleteWe have Crimson Fire shrubs with purple leaves that turn red throughout the year and are relatively unbothered by bugs or animals.
Nature is so smart, eh?
ReplyDeleteDid not know about the red in leaves making them less tasty. Wish I had lots of plants that were red year round. Make those pesky deer feed elsewhere, lol.
ReplyDeleteI will look for more burnished vegetation, but I don't think I will see it here for awhile, if at all.
ReplyDeleteI never knew why some early spouts were red. You continue to educate me. In my area, young crabapple sprouts are red.
ReplyDeleteNice colour
ReplyDeleteThat's quite interesting about red leaves. I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteDid not know that. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Perhaps I should spray paint all my vegetation (sans weeds) and my porch as well to see if that would deter the rabbits.
ReplyDeleteI was about to say the same thing about tinting my garden leaves.
ReplyDeleteNow we know why. The leaves you photographed are a very rich red.
ReplyDeleteFascinating to learn this and happy days to see the new shoots. Thank you for the nature lesson!
ReplyDeleteI knew many new shoots were red, but didin't know why, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe anthocyanin bit is all new to me, thanks
ReplyDeleteIt makes perfect sense to wait with the green until the young plants are stronger.
ReplyDeleteAs a gardener I never knew that fact about red leaves, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've just been out to check on our roses. They all have that red growth at the top. The roses seem to be flourishing at the moment. Theyve got lots of buds and new leaves
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that with some trees too (first leaves being more red than green) but didn't know the reason. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteStudies have shown that red indicates that a plant is not good enough to eat, lacking nitrogen, or more difficult to chew. And some sick or dying plants have red leaves, so will be avoided by herbivores.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard that before, so I need to ask if the type of plant influences the problems found? And does the country make any difference?
Thank you for my Monday morning lesson!
ReplyDeleteCarrots are red though. So are many fruit and vegetables are red in colours.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information about the red leaves. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteWhatever the colour nice to see new shoots!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, everyone! 😃
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