The leaves are very small and relatively thick, both of these traits are common among plants native to arid country, while many desert plants also retain their leaves, conserving nutrients and water. Like all deciduous plants Holodiscus must spend a lot of energy, and material reproducing leaves, before they can begin photosynthesis and replenish their starch/energy stores. Evergreens/evergrays are always ready to grow and take advantage of moisture and unseasonably warm temperatures at any time of the year.