WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Sequential phenological stages were strongly associated, but the correlation between fruit ripening and autumn leaf coloration weakened significantly over time as that interval lengthened.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Forecasting each seasonal phase as a separate climate response can miss changes in the relationships among phases.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
The result is observational and Europe-specific; it does not isolate one causal climate driver or prove all tree species respond alike.
SOURCE
Nature Communications — Zhang et al. (30 Oct 2026)
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