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Deciduous

By , About.com Guide

Picture of pin oak with fall foliage.

Oak trees are deciduous.

David Beaulieu
Definition:

"Deciduous" is a designation indicating a plant sheds its foliage at the end of the growing season. The term, "deciduous" is used primarily in reference to trees and shrubs, in contrast with those that are "evergreen."

The best-known deciduous trees are the fall foliage trees. The latter attract so-called "leaf peepers" in droves every autumn season, when the color of their leaves changes (usually from green to a brighter color, such as red, yellow or orange). After this brilliant display, many shed their foliage before winter and do not regain it until their buds unfurl in spring.

The following are some examples of deciduous shrubs:

Common Misspellings: desiduous

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