Deciduous trees are a type of woody plant that shed their leaves at the end of the growing season. The term "deciduous" comes from the Latin word "decidere," which means "to fall off". These trees are characterized by their broad, flat leaves and are found in various parts of the world, including temperate and tropical climates. Some key features of deciduous trees include:
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Leaf shedding: Deciduous trees shed their leaves in preparation for the cold winter to follow. This process, known as abscission, not only helps the tree conserve water but also results in the vibrant fall colors that are admired by many.
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Contrast with evergreen and coniferous trees: Deciduous trees differ from evergreen trees, which typically retain their needle foliage throughout the seasons, and coniferous trees, which are usually evergreens that produce cones. However, there are some exceptions, such as deciduous conifer trees like the golden larch and dawn redwood.
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Ornamental features: Many deciduous trees are grown for their attractive ornamental features, such as decorative bark, flowers, colored foliage, or autumn fruits.
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Types of deciduous trees: There are numerous types of deciduous trees, including oak, maple, birch, ash, willow, poplar, aspen, beech, and walnut, among others. These trees can be found in forests in the eastern United States, Canada, areas of Japan and China, and most of Europe.
