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Name: Rowdy
Status: student
Grade: 6-8
Location: TX
Country: USA
Date: Fall 2009
Question:
What is the scientific process of a plant dying from cold weather?


Replies:
Rowdy

In early frosts, most plants not adapted to freezing die because the water in their leaves and stems freezes and ruptures their vital cells. But different plants adapt to different conditions.....differently. For example, pine trees have needles that can withstand freezing temperatures whereas oak, elm, and maple trees learned to shed their leaves when the cold water approaches and grow new ones when it warms up. Sincere regards,

Mike Stewart

Different species of plants have different temperature requirements including cold hardiness.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/6594-04.html

Cold hardiness zone maps are used as guides for which plants can grow in particular locations:

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Sincerely,

Anthony R. Brach, PhD
Missouri Botanical Garden


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