Bob's News and Musings: Gold Conifers

"The yellow color in conifers appears to be due to a lack of chlorophyll, allowing other pigments to dominate. As more chlorophyll is produced, the yellow pigments are masked by its green coloration. During the summer, leaves/needles will produce more chlorophyll, unless from doing so, causing the gold-flushing conifers to turn green.

Golden foliage that is shaded will also turn green as more chlorophyll survives to capture more energy from the reduced light level. Golden conifers in the full sun will often become brighter as the chlorophyll level is reduced and may become more sensitive to foliage burn with a reduced growth rate.” 

Read the full article here.

Bob's News and Musings. Article presented courtesy of ACS member Bob Fincham, and originally posted at https://www.robertfincham.com/.