Turning plants green Chlorophyll pigment in chloroplasts within plant cells. (more) Why Are Plants Green? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Are-Plants-Green Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 14, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Plants are green because of a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells called chlorophyll. It plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. This means that it reflects green light, which is why plants appear green to our eyes. Plants also contain other pigments, such as carotenoids, which can give them yellow, orange, or red hues. However, chlorophyll is usually present in such abundance that it masks these other colors, especially during the growing season. ...(100 of 122 words)

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