Stubborn remaining leaves

Category: my Winter thoughts | Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 6:38 pm

This has got me curious. This Fall, we had a sudden cold snap and it seems to have affected the leaves on a lot of trees and shrubs here. Normally, by this time in December- we have very bare branches and the leaves are long gone. Not this year.

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )
My Japanese Maple

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )

The neighbor's huge Silver Maple

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )

Diabolo Ninebark

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )

Redtwig Dogwood

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )

Forsythia

( photo / image / picture from Kay's Garden )

Burning Bush

These are all in my gardens, and I have seen many more in my customers', and around my neighborhood.
Some say the leaves were frozen in place by the extreme cold and will hold these leaves until spring. I'm certain there is a scientific explanation, and I could probably delve deeper into this with my master gardener groups, or the county extension. I just thought it would be interesting to hear what you all think, and if it has ever occurred with your plants?

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eileen wrote on Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:06 pm:

My forsythia has only just lost most of its leaves. I've never known it to have any leaves left as late in the year as this before. If it hadn't been for the frosts I think they'd still be clinging on.

Sjoerd wrote on Sat Dec 13, 2014 12:48 am:

This is a nice article Kay. I have seen this phenomenon before over here as well.
I can recall learning about this in a botany class at uni.

I have forgotten the proper scientific process and terminology, but what I do recall is-- that in deciduous trees and shrubs there is a thin micro layer is formed between the leaf stem and the twig. At a certain physiological moment when the growing cycle is terminating, the cells of this thin layer begin to "degrade". When the process is complete the leaves will then fall off with or without wind. This process occurs in both deciduous hardwood's and some conifers.

What you are describing is an occurrence that happens when the degeneration (abscission) of the thin layer is suddenly and prematurely interrupted. The leaf is in fact killed before it has finished its last job: the feeding of residual leaf nutrients to the plant.

I do not think that it was actually known WHY this happens (when I was a student), but there are no doubt theories.

Donna S wrote on Sat Dec 13, 2014 8:49 am:

I was wondering the same thing Kay. Glad you posted this. And a thank you to Sjoerd for the answer.

Kay wrote on Sat Dec 13, 2014 5:23 pm:

Yes, Thanks Sjoerd for the explanation. You have the right words to make it understood. Now I'm wondering if these poor, dead, unsightly leaves will just cling all winter, and then get pushed off when the new leaves want to emerge?
I'm also getting customer's questions about how it may affect the health of the plant, if at all?

Sjoerd wrote on Thu Dec 25, 2014 11:39 am:

From what I understand--the clinging leaves will not have a detrimental effect on shrubs and trees.

My fingers are crossed for you and your customers. When I had this in my own garden, I noticed no change in the plants' health.

You are welcome Donna. I am just sorry that I did not recall more--it has been a long time since I was attending uni.

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