Aspen Leaf

Aspens in September in Great Basin National Park don’t just turn yellow, they turn every shade of red and orange as well. This is due to anthocyanins, chemicals that produce red and orange colors in leaves when the green chlorophyll of summer begins to fade. Although it is a genetic trait only present in some trees, much of the brilliant red-orange color is also due to climate. Warm sunny fall days with cool nights allow the brilliant oranges of Great Basin aspen trees to shine. This artwork was produced under the Darwin Lambert Artist in Residence Program at Great Basin National Park.