Green is one of the most common colors found in nature. Many plants, trees, and vegetation contain shades of green due to the presence of chlorophyll, a pigment necessary for photosynthesis. Beyond the plant kingdom, there are also numerous other living things that exhibit green coloration. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable examples of things that are green.
Plants and Trees
The majority of plants contain chlorophyll and have green leaves, stems, or other parts. This includes familiar trees like oak, maple, pine, and fir trees. Conifers such as pines and firs remain green year-round while deciduous trees like oaks and maples have green leaves during spring and summer that turn other colors in fall. Other green trees include cypress, cedar, spruce, and hemlock.
In addition to trees, most shrubs and woody plants contain green leaves and stems. This includes bushes like lilac, hydrangea, azalea, camellia, and rhododendron. Vine plants like ivy and kudzu are green as well. Succulents such as cacti may have green pads, leaves, or stems. The majority of ornamental plants, grasses, ferns, mosses, and agricultural crops also contain green pigments.
Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables are green while unripe and turn other colors when ripe. Fruits that are typically green when not yet ripe include apples, grapes, honeydew melons, kiwi, and limes. Green vegetables encompass broccoli, brussels sprouts, celery, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, peas, peppers, spinach, and zucchini among others. Herbs like parsley, basil, dill, and cilantro are green. Other edible green plants are artichokes, asparagus, avocados, green onions, and okra.
Insects and Arachnids
Certain insects display green coloration as camouflage. This includes green variants of caterpillars and swallowtail butterflies. Other green insects are katydids, praying mantises, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, and various beetles. Many spiders are green to blend in with leaves and plants, including crab spiders, orb weaver spiders, and jumping spiders. Scorpions may also be green.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Some lizards exhibit green scales, such as green anoles and the green basilisk lizard. Certain snake species also have green coloration, like the green tree python and vine snakes. Many frogs are green like the green tree frog and green poison dart frog. The green sea turtle and green iguana get their names from their greenish color.
Fish
Fish from shallow water environments tend to be green for camouflage. The green swordtail, green chromis, green terror cichlid, and emerald catfish exhibit green shades. Other green fish are the green moray eel, green swordtail, and green spotted pufferfish.
Birds
There are a few birds with green plumage, including the green jay, green heron, green kingfisher, and green broadbill. Some parrots like the green-rumped parrotlet and green-thighed parrot are primarily green. The tails of peacocks display an iridescent green during courtship rituals.
Mammals
Most mammals are not green, but some do exhibit green coloration. The green acouchi is a species of rodent with a greenish tint. Sloths can appear green because their fur hosts green algae. The African forest elephant also looks greenish because of mud and algae covering its skin.
Fungi
Many mushrooms and other fungi appear green. The chlorophyllum molybdites mushroom is green. Other green fungi are the tricholoma flavovirens mushroom, chlorociboria mushrooms, and aspergillus mold. Lichen growing on trees and rocks can be green as well.
Algae
Green algae, a large group of algae, exhibit green coloration due to their chlorophyll content. Many species of green algae are ubiquitous in ponds and other aquatic environments. Seaweed like sea lettuce found in shallow ocean waters is green in color.
Bacteria
Some bacteria colonies can appear green. This includes pseudomonas bacteria which causes the characteristic green color in infections. Other green bacteria are micrococcus and chlamydomonas.
Liquids
Antifreeze coolant used in engines is dyed green. Many mouthwashes and medicinal solutions contain green dyes. Absinthe, the highly alcoholic spirit, is known for its distinct green color. Soft drinks like Sprite and Sierra Mist are clear green sodas.
Foods
Food coloring can produce a vibrant green shade in icings, candy, desserts, and more. Popular green foods are green macaroni and cheese, pistachio pudding, matcha tea, kiwi sorbet, and guacamole. In some cultures, green is associated with mint flavoring.
Dyes and Pigments
Malachite, a green mineral, has been used as a vivid green pigment for centuries. Modern green synthetic dyes are quinoline, phthalocyanine , and monoazo. These color fabrics, plastics, paper, and more. Green is a popular slime color in children’s toys.
Gems and Minerals
Emerald is the quintessential green gemstone, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Other green minerals are malachite, jade, chrysocolla, dioptase, and aventurine. Green quartz and tourmaline exhibit light green shades.
Manmade Objects
Green is often used for recyclable products, road signs, and environmentally friendly goods. Green plastic and fabrics are widely used. Paints, pens, and other art supplies come in “green” shades. Holiday decorations like garlands and wreaths may incorporate green hues.
Green in Culture
In many Western cultures, green is associated with nature, spring, and rebirth. It symbolizes youth, freshness, and health. Green is one of the three colors in traffic lights and indicates proceed with caution. It is also symbolic of “green” environmental initiatives. In Eastern cultures, green relates to fertility and new beginnings. Jade, naturally green in color, holds deep meaning in Chinese culture.
Conclusion
Green is a prevalent color throughout the natural world. It occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria and fungi due to chlorophyll and other pigments. Many animals exhibit green as camouflage with their surroundings. The human eye perceives green readily, making it a popular choice for dyes, fabrics, and designs. Across cultures, green conveys renewal, vigor, and the essence of the natural world. The next time you come across something green, consider how this lively color connects to nature and life.
