Green is one of the most common colors found in nature. Many plants, trees, and vegetables contain shades of green due to the presence of chlorophyll, a pigment necessary for photosynthesis. Beyond the plant kingdom, green can also be found in insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and more.
Certain man-made objects and materials also utilize the color green. Understanding what is typically green can help describe and categorize the natural and artificial world around us.
Plants That Are Green
The majority of plants contain some amount of green coloring due to chlorophyll. This includes:
- Trees – pines, oaks, maples, etc.
- Shrubs and bushes – boxwood, privet, barberry
- Grasses – lawn grass, wheat, bamboo
- Herbs – basil, parsley, oregano, sage
- Vegetables – lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, peas, green beans
- Fruits – limes, green apples, kiwis, green grapes, unripe bananas
- Mosses and algae
Plants appear green because chlorophyll pigments absorb blue and red light from the sun and reflect green light back to our eyes. The shade of green depends on the specific types and amounts of chlorophylls present.
Animals That Are Green
Many animal species have evolved green colorations as a form of camouflage. By blending in with leafy and grassy environments, green animals can better avoid predators and sneak up on prey. Some prominent examples include:
Reptiles and Amphibians
- Green tree python
- Emerald tree boa
- Green iguana
- Green anole
- Green tree frog
Insects
- Praying mantis
- Katydid
- Green lacewing
- Cabbage white butterfly caterpillar
Fish
- Green moray eel
- Emerald crab
Birds
- Green heron
- Green jay
The green color in animals is produced by specialized cells called chromatophores that contain pigments like biliverdin. The pigments can be adjusted to alter shade based on mood, temperature, camouflage needs, etc.
Common Green Insects
Here is a table of some of the most prevalent green insects:
Insect | Description |
---|---|
Praying mantis | Slender green body blends in with leaves and stems. Raptorial front legs for catching prey. |
Green darner dragonfly | Bright green with yellow stripes. Long, slender abdomen. Fast flier. |
Emerald ash borer | Metallic green beetle that bores into ash trees. Invasive pest. |
Green stink bug | Green shield-shaped bugs that emit odor when threatened. |
Cabbage white butterfly caterpillar | Plump green caterpillar with faint yellow stripe that feeds on cabbage crops. |
Common Green Reptiles
Reptiles with green colorations include:
Reptile | Description |
---|---|
Green iguana | Arboreal lizard with green body and dark bands. Native to Central and South America. |
Emerald tree boa | Slender bright green tree-dwelling snake found in South America. |
Green anole | Small lizard with the ability to change from green to brown. Native to southeastern U.S. |
Green sea turtle | Large sea turtle with green fat deposits in its shell and tissues. |
Green tree python | Slender arboreal snake native to Australia and New Guinea. |
Common Green Amphibians
Amphibians often have green color variations including:
Amphibian | Description |
---|---|
Green tree frog | Small green frog with white underside native to the southeastern United States. |
Green and black poison dart frog | Bright green frog with black markings. Secretes a highly toxic poison through its skin. |
Green toad | Stocky green toad species found across mainland Europe and Asia. |
Green salamander | Slim green salamander with gold flecks found across the eastern United States. |
Mossy green tree frog | Bright green frog with blotchy black markings found in Indonesia and New Guinea. |
Common Green Houseplants
There are many popular houseplants that feature green leaves and stems. Some green houseplant varieties include:
Houseplant | Description |
---|---|
Snake plant | Dramatic green and yellow variegated leaves with stiff upright shape. |
Philodendron | Vining plant with large, heart-shaped green leaves. |
Pothos | Trailing vine with green and yellow marbled leaves. |
Chinese evergreen | Tropical plant with thick green leaves that have silvery patterns. |
Spider plant | Grass-like green and white variegated leaves. Produces plantlets. |
Artificial Green Objects
Beyond organisms, many man-made items also utilize green:
- Green traffic lights
- Green apparel – shirts, pants, dresses, etc.
- Green paints and dyes
- Colored pencils, crayons, and markers
- Green fabrics and upholstery
- Green jewelry – emeralds, jade
- Sports team uniforms and logos
- Packaged food labels
- Cosmetics and beauty products
The specific shade can vary dramatically based on the type of dye, pigment, or material used in production.
Why Green is Used
There are several reasons why the color green is so extensively utilized:
- Green is easy for the human eye to perceive and process.
- It is associated with nature, health, renewal, and the environment.
- Green suggests growth, fertility, and abundance.
- It has cultural and symbolic significance in many societies.
- Dyes and pigments to produce green are readily available.
- Green provides camouflage in nature.
- It is considered pleasing and relaxing to look at.
The prevalence of green demonstrates its visual appeal and versatility across biology and culture.
Green in Culture and Society
In addition to occurring extensively across the natural world, green also carries important cultural meanings:
- Associated with environmentalism, sustainability, organic foods.
- Represents “go” in traffic lights.
- Symbolizes money and finance.
- Related to medicine and healthcare.
- Often connected to politics and political movements.
- Indicates growth, fertility, vibrancy – “green thumb”.
- Linked to renewal, youth, inexperience.
- Represents “green with envy” jealousy or covetousness.
- Associated with St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland.
- Suggests illness or nausea – “turning green”.
Understanding the extensive cultural meanings behind green gives insight into human psychology and civilization.
Green in Branding
The color green plays an important role in branding for companies and products:
- Environmental organizations like Greenpeace.
- Health and wellness businesses.
- Organic and natural food brands.
- Financial and banking institutions.
- Landscaping and gardening companies.
- Educational and university marketing materials.
- Eco-friendly product packaging.
- Electric vehicle manufacturers.
- Household cleaning supplies.
- Recreational cannabis dispensaries.
Green connotes freshness, growth, sustainability, and health. Companies leverage these associations to convey quality and create positive brand identities.
Conclusion
In summary, green is an abundant color in the natural world that also carries deep cultural symbolism. The wide occurrence of green demonstrates its visual prominence and capacity to convey meaning. Understanding why green is prevalent provides insight into biology, society, commerce, and the human affinity for surrounding ourselves with this verdant hue. Paying attention to green objects deepens our appreciation for the color itself and the natural forces that produce it.