Deciduous Conifers

We’re taught in elementary school that trees with leaves lose them in the fall and trees with needles keep them over the winter. Well, that’s mostly right!

Deciduous trees - like maple, oak, birch and apple - do lose their leaves as the days shorten and the temperature drops. Coniferous trees - like pines, firs, and spruces - have needles and pinecones and generally stay green all winter. Hence the nickname “evergreen”.

But there are about 20 species of trees that have needles and pinecones but lose them over the winter! These are called “deciduous conifers” and they are pretty unique!

In the fall, their needles turn yellow, orange, and brown, and then they drop them to the ground. Come spring, they have beautiful light green needles that sprout and then darken through the summer.

The book for this week isn’t about deciduous conifers (somebody should write that… :) but about being unique on your own. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell was one of my favorites to read to my classroom. It gives kids the message to celebrate who you are, no matter your size, looks, family or abilities.