LEARN ABOUT CREATURES

(IN OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS)

this project is called LOCAL BIOLOGY (until we think of something better)

Why our trees don't die in winter

Field Guide
Time Period / Issue Number: 

Winter 2009 / Vol 1 / Issue 1

Page 1: Field Guide Introduction: 

Plants do manage to come back in spring despite the fact that our weather here in the Twin Cities is so cold. This guide will help you learn more about the quiet struggle for life of the trees and bushes in Longfellow Neighborhood.

Something to notice: 

Red

Some bushes, near the tips, have reddish stems. Roses & dogwoods have these characteristics for sure. The red comes from a pigment called anthocyanin. If you scraped at the bark, you would see a little bit of green beneath. The red pigment acts like sunblock and protects the very small amount of photosynthesis happening over the winter. Too much sun and the plant would be full of free radical oxygen -- which is very damaging. The photosynthesis is sort of like a pilot light for the plant over the winter.

About Local Biology: 

This is part of Local Biology, a project for learning about nature in your neighborhood. http://localbiology.org to find out more.

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