Marking Time with Marcescence

As part of our Cycles of Gaia ecological calendar project, we’ve been sharing an insight each month on one of the member species of the calendar, or some other ecological element of the Northeast Coastal Zone (southern New England) drawn out by the calendar. This month, in the final essay of the year-long series, Angelina Reddy focuses on the phenomenon of Marcescence, the clinging of dead leaves to trees in the winter.

An illustration of the captivating winter phenomenon of marcescence. (By Jon Schroth)

Almost all the leaves have fallen for the winter, and the forests are now bare. Wind gusts through the woods, but some leaves stay latched to their host trees. This persistence of plant parts that typically shed is called Marcescence. Jon Schroth, designer of the Cycles of Gaia poster, reflected upon this phenomenon while hiking:

I was hiking at Chatfield Hollow, and was captivated by a cluster of small white oak trees. The rest of the forest was stripped down to bare branches. Cold air breezed through unimpinged. And there rattling around were dried up oak leaves, still holding on to their branches through the winter. The leaves were shivering, coiled up and contorted, very much resembling how I felt.

Marcescence in all its crinkly glory. (Images from Jon Schroth, left, and public domain, right, via GetArchive)

Marcescence, the phenomenon where certain deciduous trees retain dead leaves through winter, is not just an aesthetic oddity but an ecological strategy. Marcescent leaves may protect developing buds from frost and desiccation (the removal of moisture), particularly in young or understory trees that are more exposed to harsh winter conditions. In addition, the presence of these leaves can deter herbivores like deer from feeding on tender shoots, offering a natural defense mechanism during a vulnerable period.

The timing of leaf drop can also play a role in nutrient cycling. Marcescent leaves that fall in spring decompose more slowly, creating a delayed release of nutrients that aligns with the growing season. This synchronization ensures that the nutrients are available when the tree and surrounding plants need them most, contributing to the resilience of the ecosystem.

From a cultural perspective, marcescent trees can be seen as symbols of endurance and steadfastness. Their leaves, clinging through the starkness of winter, evoke themes of resilience and the beauty of holding on—both in nature and in life. By observing these trees, we’re invited to reflect on our own capacity to endure adversity and to consider the value of persistence in the face of challenging conditions. Next time you’re out for a walk, take a look around and see if you notice any leaves hanging on. Observe how they move in the breeze, contort in the cold, and remain connected. How do you relate in that moment?

Thanks for reading this year-long Cycles of Gaia series. If you’d like a copy of the ecological calendar for yourself, you can buy one here. And if you want to use it for your classroom, you can request a free copy here and can download a K-2 curriculum for the poster here. 

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