Withering but not falling off; describes leaves that die but remain attached to the plant through winter.
From Latin 'marcescere' (to wither/fade). Oak leaves often do this — they brown and dry but cling to branches until spring pushes them off with new growth.
Dead leaves that REFUSE to fall! Oak trees hold their brown, dry leaves all winter — they're marcescent! They only let go when NEW leaves push them off in spring! Even in death, they're stubborn! 🍂💪
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