Fall Foliage Report – Sept. 30, 2011

In Virginia’s woods, trees are not the only species changing color.  Shrubs and vines also splash the forest understory with color.  Look for the bright red leaves of sumacs along woodland edges.  Poison ivy colors early, usually showing deep red leaves clinging to tree trunks.  Virginia creeper’s 5-parted leaves turn a bright, clear red.  The native wild grape usually sports yellow leaves, and the invasive Oriental bittersweet turns a bright golden yellow. 

Fall Foliage Report – Sept. 23, 2011

For the week of September 23, the calendar says fall, but Virginia’s forests are still mostly green.  If you look closely, you’ll see a few species of trees that begin to change color early.  These include black gum, which you may see waving bright red flags of color at the woods’ edge; yellow-poplar, a tall tree sporting yellow leaves scattered through its canopy; and dogwood, our State tree, which blushes to a dull red. Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October and early November.

Early Signs of Fall

The calendar says fall, but Virginia’s forests are still mostly green.  If you look closely, you’ll see a few species of trees that begin to change color early.  These include black gum, which you may see waving bright red flags of color at the woods’ edge; yellow-poplar, a tall tree sporting yellow leaves scattered through its canopy; and dogwood, our State tree, which blushes to a dull red.  If you’d like to brush up on your tree identification skills before the leaves fall, you can buy a copy of Common Native Trees of Virginia from our Web Store.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 24, 2010

The fall color season is winding down in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont have isolated areas of color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color, most areas are at peak or just past peak color.

This the last Fall Foliage Report for the season. Thanks for supporting us!! These posts will resume in October 2011.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 18, 2010

The fall color season is drawing to a close in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont, especially the southern Piedmont, still have color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color and areas will be peaking between now and Thanksgiving.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 12, 2010

The fall color show continues to roll across Virginia. In the upper Piedmont, considerable color can still be seen, though colors are past peak. In the lower Piedmont, colors are at or just past peak. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, significant color can be seen on the Peninsula. On the Eastern Shore, roughly fifty-percent of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 4, 2010

Significant color change can be seen in the Piedmont. Most tree species are at full color with some species of oaks lagging a little bit. Many areas are approaching peak color. East of Richmond in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy color change can be seen, and fall color can be found on the Peninsula.