Why are leaves green?

If you look outside, you'll probably see a lot of green: green grass, green leaves covering trees, and green plants, but Why are leaves green?

Most plant leaves are green because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll which is green.

Small pea plant next to a brightly colored watering can

Chlorophyll is necessary for plants to absorb sunlight, which they need to produce glucose through a process called photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of a plant cell. It is the chloroplasts that contain the green chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are like tiny solar panels that generate energy from sunlight.

Diagram of a plant cell showing the different organelles.

Definition of chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the pigment present in certain types of cells where photosynthesis occurs.

What are variegated leaves?

Variegated leaves are leaves with more than one color. The leaves below have white areas that do not contain chlorophyll.

Beautiful variegated leaves of Giant Hawaiian Pothos climbing up the top of a tree — *Beautiful variegated leaves of Hawaiian Giant Pothos*

More about plants and chlorophyll

Some types of algae called chlorophytes also contain chlorophyll.

Discover Why do poinsettia plants have red leaves?s!

Learn about plant cells with a plant cell model.

Discover Why do leaves change color in autumn?.

Image of a hand holding a small green plant.

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