Evergreen trees are a staple of winter for both people and nature. Animals rely on them for food as well as shelter. Birds nest in their branches, other animals seek cover from the snow and cold. And people use them for their wood, for landscaping, and as holiday decorations like Christmas trees and wreaths. But what exactly does it mean to be an evergreen? Evergreen trees, by definition, are trees that keep their leaves all year long. In the Ozarks, where we live, these trees usually have needle or scale-like leaves. In other parts of the U.S. and the world, where the climate is warmer, evergreen trees can be broad-leafed trees that would typically lose their leaves in the winter in our climate. And not all evergreens are trees. Some are shrubs or bushes. Boxwood and holly are two common ones people plant around here. But there are many others.
Bonuses included in this lesson:
- Photosynthesis Diagram (one blank for kids to fill out)
- 8 Evergreen Tree Flash Cards