Iowa’s fall colors are beginning to make an appearance, with trees and shrubs showing the first signs of seasonal change across parts of the state.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ first Fall Color Report of the season, some areas are beginning to see yellow, orange and red leaves, while much of southeastern Iowa remains mostly green.
In northeast Iowa, walnuts and some sugar maples are starting to turn yellow and orange. Virginia creeper and sumac are showing shades of red, although recent rain and wind have already brought some leaves down.
Northwest Iowa is also seeing early changes, with silver maple and American sycamore trees beginning to turn yellow. Sumac shrubs are showing dark red colors.
In central Iowa, cottonwoods, walnuts and elm trees are starting to turn yellow, while a few scattered maples are beginning to turn red. Roadside sumac and Virginia creeper are changing to maroon.
Southern Iowa is seeing more limited color so far. The southeast remains mostly green, with some early yellows and browns appearing. In south-central Iowa, walnuts and cottonwoods are beginning to turn yellow, while some maples in urban areas are starting to change.
West-central Iowa is also seeing the first signs of fall. Sumac is changing color, and cottonwoods are expected to begin turning yellow by this weekend. The final prairie flowers of the season are also expected to remain on display throughout the week.
The Iowa DNR will continue providing weekly updates as fall colors progress across the state.
For the latest Fall Color Reports and to sign up for weekly updates, visit Iowa DNR Fall Color Report.
Photo: Palisades-Kepler State Park near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by Grace’s Camera.
