Photo from Fall 2024

The Iowa DNR has issued their latest Fall Colors report, which predicts a peak to the color viewing season in the coming week. The report for South Central Iowa is as follows:

“It is still early in the season, but some trees are starting to show hints of color. Many hickories are turning brown. Oak trees are still very green. Many shrubs and vines are showing reds and purples. Fall colors are just beginning to emerge across Lucas County with much of the landscape still predominantly green. Sumacs and ivies are displaying vibrant wine-red hues. Hickories are starting to show hints of yellow and brown. The Kentucky coffee tree is turning a bright yellow. A few maples are also showing some orange tones.”

The update for central Iowa is:

“Fall color is still spotty with only 15-20 percent of the foliage showing color. Scattered maple and black cherry trees are turning orange and red. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are dark red. Walnut, cottonwood, basswood, elm, and hackberry are turning yellow. Most oak trees are still green.”

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says many factors leading up to this fall show this should be a strong season of color in the trees. The predicted peak viewing locally is between October 18th and 25th.