Yesterday this fallen cluster was found. Individual leaves range in color from solid red to wildly striped illustrating the process of color change. In response to diminished sunlight, both in duration and intensity, and lower temperatures, these trees blocked the flow of moisture and nutrients to their leaves. This caused the decline in the green chlorophyll allowing the ever present red coloration to take center stage.
Sumac trees are generally seen as trash trees. That has not always been the case as the trunk wood includes a lighter colored core that was in earlier times inlaid to accent wooden jewelry boxes. If one can overlook their current reputation, perhaps the brightest red leaves of the season can now be enjoyed. We were a few days late driving to these roadside ditch filling trees. Droopy dryness detracts from the brilliant red that was stunning just recently but is still worth seeing.
The darker red leaves suggests that the change in color happened earlier on this tree. Sumac trees are relatively free of the dark rot so common on maple leaves. Green trees can be seen on the ridge behind the sumac. Their time of seasonal color is yet to come. We know of a small cluster of huge old maple trees whose leaves turn bright orange. We will make a detour today to see if this is their time to shine. At the end of the season, a wooded hillside near Otselic features a particular variety of oak trees whose leaves turn purple in color. This valley is wide and the ridge is visible for miles. The purple colored trees spread across this forest of mixed hardwoods. It is a sight that is well worth the drive needed to see it.
1 comment:
Sumacs are so lovely in the fall. We have a Sumac shrub/tree along our driveway, and I think it's starting to show some color, too. Not much other color here, though, as we've had a wet, warm September.
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