Why are plants green?

Plants are green because of a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells called chlorophyll. It plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. This means that it reflects green light, which is why plants appear green to our eyes.

Plants also contain other pigments, such as carotenoids, which can give them yellow, orange, or red hues. However, chlorophyll is usually present in such abundance that it masks these other colors, especially during the growing season. When deciduous leaves are preparing to separate from the tree in autumn, chlorophyll pigment begins to break down, revealing the other pigments.