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The real reason is described in a German fairy about a farmer who makes an advantageous deal with the devil, and in return agrees that "when the oaks are leafless" the devil could have his soul in return. The foolish devil, not being much of a naturalist, agrees, only to discover that oaks are never leafless because they drop their old leaves only while leafing out in the spring. Now you know....

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It was worth reposting this issue of the newsletter just to get this bit of German folklore -- thank you, Walter!

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Jan 18, 2022Liked by Heather Wall

Marcescence -new word (that I will probably forget!) I love driving 76 E from Clayton to SV and noticing all the beech trees in the winter with their leaves on. Good to know how they reproduce because I was wondering why they were clustered together.

See you at book club one of these days!!! Laura

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This week with the snow showed me the disadvantage to their holding onto their leaves, with the beeches bent over like weeping cherries under the weight of the snow. But they seem to have popped back into place already, so perhaps that's why marcescence tends to happen with younger, limber trees?

Glad you enjoyed it!

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