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Oak Leaves (Marcescence)

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From: R Pouzar City: Galena, IL
What is the evolutionary benefit of oak trees retaining their leaves through the winter, rather than dropping them in the fall?
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Excellent question regarding "marcescence." Here is some background and theories regarding this phenomenon: http://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/why-do-some-leaves-persist-on-beech-and-oak-trees-well-into-winter
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