The most telling sign that autumn has arrived is right on schedule this year.

Professor of Biology Paul Weihe at Central College says that mid-October is peak color season in trees in south central Iowa. He says the timing this season for leaves to change has been close to normal, despite a late frost. We have more with Dr. Weihe on Let’s Talk Pella.

Click on map for full size image:

Fall Color Tree Information (from the Iowa DNR)

Ash:
Green Ash leaves turn yellow, but White Ash has a purplish cast. The leaves fall after those of walnut trees, but earlier than those of oaks and maples.

Bur Oak:
Buff to yellow colors predominate in bur oaks. The leaves remain on the tree and turn brown before falling.

Elms:
Elm Leaves turn various shades of yellow with some turning brown before falling, others falling while still yellow.

Hickory:
Leaves turn yellow on hickory trees, then brown before falling.

Maple (Soft):
The leaves of soft (silver) maples turn yellow but do not turn brown before falling.

Maple (Hard):
Brilliant flame red hues are the signature of hard maple leaves. The red pigmentation of some leaves breaks down before falling.

Oak (Red):
The red oaks have brilliant red leaves in fall though the color is probably not as intense as that of some hard maples.

Oak (White):
White oaks have a more subdued purple fall leaf color. The leaves then turn brown and often stay on the tree until new leaves begin to grow in the spring.