What happens to cambium cells during colder months?

During the colder months, cambium cells, which are responsible for the growth of new plant tissues, typically enter a state of dormancy. This dormancy is crucial for the survival of the plant during adverse weather conditions, such as frost or freezing temperatures. While the cambium is active during warmer months, producing new layers of xylem and phloem for the plant's growth, the drop in temperatures signals the plant to conserve energy and protect itself from potential damage.

In dormancy, the cambium does not grow or divide, which allows the plant to allocate resources more efficiently and maintain its existing structures. This adaptation is essential for perennial plants, enabling them to endure seasonal changes and resume growth when favorable conditions return in spring. During this time, other parts of the plant, such as roots, may continue to function at reduced levels, but cambium cells specifically halt their activity to withstand the cold.