Fall is the ideal time to plant trees for several reasons, but for those who are interested in fall color, fall is the time to view them at their peek. Here is a sample of some trees that provide great color:
- Bigtooth maple ( Acer grandidentatum ) turns bright reddish orange and grows to 45 feet. This species can be difficult to find. Other good native maples for fall color include Red maple ( A. rubrum ) for reds and Southern Sugar maple ( A. barbatum ) for yellows. One good non-native is the Shantung maple ( A. truncatum ).
- Texas or Shumard Red Oak ( Quercus spp. ) turns a beautiful bright red and grows 30 to 50 feet.
- Chinese Pistache ( Pistacia chinensis ) turns orange to red or sometimes yellow and will reach a height of 60 feet.
- Bald cypress ( Taxodium distichum ) turns bright copper and will reach a height of 50 to 75 feet.
- Rusty blackhaw viburnum ( Viburnum rufidulum ) turns bright reddish purple, growing to 25 feet.
- Ginkgo or Maidenhair tree ( Ginkgo biloba ) turns bright gold and grows to 60 feet.
- Fringe Tree or Grancy Graybeard ( Chionanthus virginicus ) turns bright to deep yellow in fall, and grows to 20 feet. A cousin is the Chinese Fringe Tree ( C. retusus ).
- Finally, best known for its outstanding color is Japanese maple ( Acer palmatum ). Some varieties turn so bright red that the tree appears to be on fire. Others sport yellow, orange, burgundy fall color. There are many varieties, with varying mature heights, but all are typically small trees.
Pat Massad, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
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