September 11, 2002

On this day, which marks one year from one of the most tragic events of humankind, our thoughts go out to all those affected by that unspeakable act. The outpouring of support that resulted should show the world our strength and resolve. I am fortunate and honored to call myself an American and am grateful to be living in the greatest country in the world.

A majority of the Midwest is now showing some signs of color. Low color (1%-10%) change is being reported in most of the western section of the area. There have been numerous reports of show-offs (trees that change early) displaying brilliant colors, giving a sneak preview of what is soon to come!

Take a look at this leaf. It gives a good portrait of the foliage process. As the fall progresses, the leaves stop producing chlorophyll (green pigment). This leaf is providing us with a great picture of this. Notice the only deep green remaining is surrounding the primary veins (see arrows). The other green coloration is now faded. On the right side of the leaf, almost all of the chlorophyll has vanished, making way for the other pigments (many of which have been present in the leaf since spring) to show. In this case, we are looking at a maple leaf, which possesses red, orange and yellow pigments.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.