Nature Note:Last Leaf Color

The Asian pear leaves are shades of red and orange now.Some are even green,hanging on to summer while it is nearing winter.The trees put out little fruits that are mostly seed.Many birds eat them,including American robins and cedar waxwings.In spring and summer,perching birds will also nest in these trees.They are wildlife trees year-round,although they have flaws such as limbs which split off easily and a strong odor during flowering.When I have them nearby,I tend to forget about the problems,and appreciate their good points instead.