落葉樹(らくようじゅ)

落葉樹(らくようじゅ) - trees that drop their leaves seasonally.

落葉(らくよう) = leaf fall/shedding, 樹(じゅ) = tree

Common deciduous trees in Japan:

• 楓(かえで)・紅葉(もみじ) (maple) - famous for autumn colors
• 銀杏(いちょう) (ginkgo) - yellow autumn leaves
• 桜(さくら) (cherry) - loses leaves after flowering
• 欅(けやき) (zelkova)

Opposite: 常緑樹(じょうりょくじゅ) (evergreen trees)

The shedding of leaves is an adaptation to survive winter by reducing water loss and protecting against cold damage.