Deciduous trees offer a final touch of drama to the garden, with their leaves turning shades of golden yellow, orange and red, before falling. So-called ‘autumn colours‘ (yellow carotenes and red and pink anthocyanins) are present in their leaves all year round. We just don’t see them because they’re hidden by green chlorophyll. However, when day length starts to decrease in late summer, production of chlorophyll slows down and eventually stops. The green colour fades from the leaves, revealing glorious yellows, reds and pinks beneath.
What’s more, shortening day length also triggers the growth of corky cells across the base of leaf stalks, in preparation for leaf fall. This traps sugars in the leaf, which are converted to anthocyanins, giving the leaf additional red colouring.
Most deciduous trees offer some autumn colour as the season changes, including trees for small gardens and even trees for pots, but some species and cultivars put on a particularly spectacular display. Browse our list of the best trees for autumn colour, below.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year, when tree leaves burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Choosing trees with outstanding fall foliage can greatly enhance the curb appeal and enjoyment of your landscape.
After researching trees known for exceptional fall color, I’ve compiled this list of the 11 best options to consider:
1. Sugar Maple
The iconic sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of the most popular trees for fall color. Its leaves transition from green in summer to brilliant shades of yellow, burnt orange and red in autumn Sugar maples grow 40-120 feet tall and thrive in zones 3-8. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade
2. Red Maple
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is aptly named for its reddish flowers, leafstalks, buds and fall foliage. It displays an excellent range of red tones, from bright orange-red to burgundy. Fast-growing and adaptable, red maple reaches 40-90 feet at maturity. It grows well in zones 3-9 and varying soil conditions, from wet to dry.
3. Black Tupelo
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) reliably produces outstanding fall color ranging from yellow and orange to bright crimson and purple – sometimes all on the same branch! Also called black gum, this medium-sized tree grows 30-80 feet tall. It thrives in zones 4-9 and appreciates moist, acidic soil.
4. Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a lovely but underutilized native tree that delivers a striking fall show. Its dark green leaves turn vibrant orange, red and purple hues. Persimmon trees reach 35-60 feet at maturity and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They grow well across a wide range of climates, from zones 4-9.
5. Sourwood
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is admired for its cascading, fragrant white summer flowers and intense fall color. The long drooping leaves turn brilliant shades of crimson scarlet, purple and sometimes yellow. This small tree grows 20-50 feet high and thrives in zones 5-9.
6. American Sweetgum
American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) dazzles with deep purple, orange, yellow and burgundy fall foliage. It grows fast to 60-80 feet tall and does best in zones 5-9. Sweetgum prefers moist, acidic soil and full sun. The spiny seed pods can be messy, so allow enough room for them to drop.
7. Scarlet Oak
Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) lives up to its name with deeply lobed green leaves that shift to lustrous scarlet in fall Eventually the leaves turn reddish-brown before dropping. This large oak tree grows 60-100 feet tall and is hardy in zones 4-8 Provide full sun and acidic, sandy soil.
8. Shagbark Hickory
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) brings golden bronze fall color and beautiful scaling bark. This large tree grows 70-90 feet tall. Hickories perform best in zones 4-8 with full sun and moist, fertile soil. The sweet nuts attract wildlife.
9. Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is coveted for its artistic form, fine texture and fall foliage. Varieties display red, orange, pink, purple, yellow and green tones. These small understory trees reach 15-25 feet tall. Japanese maples thrive in zones 5-8 with rich, moist, well-drained soil.
10. Dogwood
Dogwood trees (Cornus spp.) like flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and kousa dogwood (C. kousa) provide excellent orange to reddish-purple autumn color. Most dogwoods are smaller trees, maturing around 15-30 feet high. They grow best in zones 5-8 with partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
11. Oak
Many oaks like shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), scarlet oak, and red oak (Quercus rubra) have beautifully vibrant fall foliage. Oaks range from small trees to towering giants up to 100 feet tall. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Select an oak suitable for your climate’s growing zone.
When planning your ideal autumn landscape, consider incorporating several trees with seasonal interest. Maples, dogwoods, hickories, oaks, tupelos and other trees with colorful fall foliage will boost your yard’s beauty and visual appeal. Proper tree selection and care will allow you to enjoy their changing hues for many years to come.
Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua[image id=”78758″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts'” alt=”Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts'” classes=””] Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’
Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is native to eastern United States and Mexico, and is regarded as one of the best small trees for autumn colour. Relatively inconspicuous for the rest of the year, it’s maple-like leaves turn spectacular shades of orange and red in autumn, before falling. There are several cultivars to choose from – ‘Worplesdon’ is considered the most hardy.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Paperbark maple, Acer griseum[image id=”78751″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum” alt=”Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum” classes=””] Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum
Acer griseum is a compact tree with wonderful, peeling bark. Its fresh green leaves turn glorious shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn.
H x S: 10m x 10m
Top 5 Trees You Need for Fall Color | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What trees have the best fall color?
Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. Displaying various hues of yellow, orange, bright red and purple—often on the same branch—its foliage is a stand-out of the autumn season.
Which trees look best in autumn?
- 2. Ginkgo biloba
- 3. Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet gum)
- 4. Malus sylvestris (Crab apple)
- 5. Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
What tree is associated with autumn?
Sugar Maple
Maples are the most popular trees of the fall foliage world in North America. Different types of maples display brilliant yellow, red, orange, or burgundy fall colors, and the color of an individual tree can sometimes vary from year to year.
What trees hold their leaves the longest in the fall?
Although most deciduous trees shed their leaves in autumn, there are some that hold on to their leaves a little bit tighter, a trait known as marcescence. In Massachusetts, two common types of marcescent tree are beeches and oaks.