withering yet persistent
withering without falling off
• (a.) Withering without/ falling off; fading; decaying.
withering but still persistent as with petals and sepals or the basal leaves of some plants
Withering without falling off. ... (09 Oct 1997) ... 
withering but still persistent
Withering but remaining attached.
Mar·ces'cent adjective [ Latin marcescens , present participle of marcescere to wither, decay, from marcere to wither, droop: confer French marcescent .] (Botany) Withering without falling off; fading; decaying. 
withering yet persistent
Many oaks (Quercus spp.) have marcescent leaves. I have one and at first thought it was a disadvantage because Im raking leaves in the spring. But then I learned to appreciate the sound of the leaves shimmering in the breeze. Marcescent is when foliage writers but is retained on the plant stem, holding on to their dried leaves until spring.
Many oaks (Quercus spp.) have marcescent leaves. I have one and at first thought it was a disadvantage because Im raking leaves in the spring. But then I learned to appreciate the sound of the leaves shimmering in the breeze. Marcescent is when foliage writers but is retained on the plant stem, holding on to their dried leaves until spring.