Why Are the Pine and Cypress Evergreen?

In winter many trees become leafless, yet the pine and cypress remain green as usual. This happens because their leaves are small, and so only a small amount of moisture can evaporate. The pine leaves are as small as needles, and those of cypress, as small as fish scales. Besides, the leaves are coated by something like wax, which protects them from the severe cold and the dry weather. Hence, these trees can

withstand the cold and preserve enough moisture. As a result they always look green. Occasionally some of the leaves do wither, but they are comparatively few.