Autumn Leaves in a Drought

Q: Much of the country is dealing with a pretty bad drought situation. Will that affect how bright the trees become this fall?
Hilary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A: Yes — the leaves probably won't be as bright as usual. "Drought can cause premature coloration of the leaves, but a dry autumn diminishes the brilliance of the foliage, causing leaves to die and fall prematurely," writes biologist Scott Camazine in his Naturalist's Year. Leaf displays tend to drab browns, which suggests that the red pigments (anthocyanins) don't develop well during a dry spell.

Further Surfing:

The Naturalist's Year by Scott Camazine

(Answered Oct. 4, 2002, updated Sep. 20, 2007)