Confusing
Posted by aiesha james on April 18, 2006
Q: what is the differene between an evergreen tree and a deciduous tree?
State: New York
A: The term "evergreen" is a bit misleading since it is more of a horticultural term (used by people that grow plants) rather than a scientific one. Basically, an evergreen is a plant that retains its leaves through the winter and is never without some green leaves even though the older ones are lost periodically. We usually think of the conifers (pines, spruces, firs) as evergreens but so are azaleas magnolias, and rhododendrons. Deciduous trees are those that lose all of their leaves at the end of the growing season. We usually think of oaks, maples, and elms as deciduous but trees like the larch (a conifer) does lose its leaves each fall too. You're right - it is confusing. Hope I've helped a bit.
John Wiessinger ( April 19, 2006)