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September 19, 2005
WHAT’S OHIO’S SECRET TO GREAT FALL COLOR?
Learn how you can bring fall’s colorful palette to your yard
Ohio Fall Color Site
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TREES AND THEIR TRUE COLORS
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Trees that flourish in Ohio’s climate
with the “true” fall color |
| REDS |
| Blackgum |
Bright red |
| Black Cherry |
Orange to pink |
| Kousa Dogwood |
Purplish-red to scarlet |
| Ironwood/Hornbeam |
Orange to red |
| Northern Red Oak |
Red |
| Scarlet Oak |
Brilliant scarlet |
| White Oak |
Red to purple |
| Pin Oak |
Bright red |
| Persimmon |
Orange to red |
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Common Sassafras
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Yellow, orange or scarlet |
| Sweetgum |
Yellow to scarlet |
| Red Maple |
Yellow to red
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| Sourwood/Lily of the Valley Tree |
Yellow red to purple |
| Japanese Zelkova |
Russet |
| Callery Pear |
Reddish purple |
| YELLOWS |
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Sugar Maple
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Orange to yellow |
| American Beech |
Yellow to golden bronze
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| River Birch, Paper Birch |
Yellow |
| Hickory |
Golden brown and yellow
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| Sycamore |
Yellow |
| Yellow poplar |
Yellow |
| Red Mulberry |
Yellow |
| Sawtooth Oak |
Yellow to bronze |
| Walnut |
Yellow |
| Bur Oak |
Yellow to bronze |
| Elm |
Yellow |
| Ash |
Yellow with a purple cast
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| Thornless Honeylocust |
Yellow |
| Ginkgo |
Yellow |
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COLUMBUS, OH Ever wonder why Ohio is just bursting with color in the fall? State foresters say we can thank our changing seasons, rich soils and a wide range of trees for this vibrant fall show.
 “Ohio forests are among the most diverse and unique in the world, with more than 100 tree species,” said Casey Munchel, forester with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. “As a result, Ohioans can enjoy an array of fall color in every corner of the state, as well as a longer fall color season.”
This diversity of our state’s geographical regions can be seen in the wetland habitats of the northern lake plains, the rugged Hocking Hills of the unglaciated Appalachian plateau in the southeast, as well as the fertile farmlands of the till plains in the west.
All of this gives us an abundance of locations to see beautiful fall foliage including 74 state parks, 20 state forests, 131 state nature preserves, and a national park and forest.
The fall season also is the best time to add a little color to home landscapes. Because of Ohio’s unpredictable weather, it’s best to get a tree planted by the end of October before the ground freezes.
Maples are the quintessential fall color tree showcasing its variety of reds, oranges and yellows. Other popular trees for color include: dogwood, sweetgum, oak, beech, and birch.
When choosing a tree, think native. Not only do these varieties need less attention than their non-native counterparts, but they also benefit wildlife by providing shelter from the elements and producing food such as berries and nuts. Tree species that are popular food sources include serviceberry, hawthorn, viburnum, sassafras, and oak for their acorns. Many conifers and other evergreens provide for a great color contrast and also are good sources of food and shelter for wildlife.
Contact a local nursery or certified arborist to determine what trees will work best for your yard.
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