Cool weather brings brighter colors

Nutlet of the Carpinus caroliniana ( American Hornbeam)

This colorful close up of the nutlet, or seed cluster, of the Carpinus caroliniana, (American Hornbeam) shows even the smallest leaves will take up the challenge of remaining useful as the temperature drops. The oranges and golds, the carotenoids in the leaf structure, protect the leaves from sun and wind damage, and provide some nutrition to the tree.