November 9

I’m west of Alma in the small village of Elwell ready to hike on the Meijer Heartland Trail. The early afternoon weather is sunny with temperatures in the upper 60’s and a steady head wind as my wife, Caroline, my daughter, Allison and I walk west on the paved path through a corridor of mostly leafless, broadleaf trees that only a few weeks ago displayed brilliant fall colors.  However, closer observations reveal that some trees still retain leaves, ranging from chlorophyll green to those lacking any pigments. Gazing skyward, I notice a few leaves still atop some tall White poplar trees as well as some on the path. This non-native tree, often confused with White birch, is rarely seen around here but does have some invasive traits. It outcompetes many native tree species and interferes with the normal progress of natural succession. Dense stands of White poplar prevent other plants from coexisting by reducing the amount of sunlight, nutrients, water and space available. Continuing west, I spot a massive White Oak holding many brown, papery leaves as well as some in the leaf litter. The name for this type of leaf retention is marcescence, from a Latin root meaning ‘to shrivel’. Like other types of oaks, this tree lacks enzymes responsible for producing an abscission layer (stock photo) at the base of the leaf stem that allows the leaf to easily be released from the tree. As to why this occurs, one commonly accepted belief is that by concealing next year’s growth; the tasty, nutritious, new-twig growth and buds that lie beneath them; the desiccated, bitter-tasting, difficult-to-digest leaves, which have little food value, may act as a deterrent to browsers, such as deer. Not surprisingly, up ahead I come upon a mature Red Oak holding its leaves as well as a Bur Oak with some of its leaves on the path. Still heading west, I pass by a Quaking Aspen holding on to some leaves while many are seen on the path below. Nearby, I notice some leaves of American Elm still hanging on. Also, I spot two trees not only holding on to their leaves but also their fruit: Crab Apple and Wild Apple. Turning around and heading east, I pass by a small Black willow tree and a towering Rock Elm tree with leaves that are still green. Nearing the end of our hike, the bright red berries of Viburnum catch my attention. 

 

Gone from the fields

Luster of gold

Warmth of summer

Has now turned cold

Gone are redwings

That ruled the marsh

Winds of November

Blow stiff and harsh

Gone is the green

Of leaves and vines

Revelations of nature

Mid-autumn signs

 

D. DeGraaf