Marcescence

Marcescence is when trees hold onto their leaves even when it gets cold and the leaves turn brown or die. Like how you might hold onto your favorite toy even if you don't play with it as much anymore.

Some types of trees, like oak and beech trees, are more likely to have marcescence than others. Scientists think that it might have to do with how the trees evolved to protect themselves from browsing by animals, like deer.

Even though the leaves might look dead, they can still be important to the tree. The leaves can provide nutrients to the tree as they break down over time, kind of like how vegetables can be good for us to eat.

Eventually, the tree will drop its leaves and grow new ones when the weather starts to warm up again. It's just like how you might change your clothes when the seasons change.