Natural History Wanderings

Appalachian State University reports:

As the end of August approaches, we’re starting to see the very beginnings of fall color, but only sporadically.  The forests are still quite green and lush, but the sentinels, those early turning species, are letting us know that bigger things are in store over the next few weeks.  Burning bushes are starting to turn their vivid red (Euonymus alata), and dogwoods (Cornus florida) are slowly turning a deep burgundy red.  There are a few scattered sugar and red maples that are turning now, but these the exceptions, rather than the rule.  In Boone, along Rivers Street, many of the sugar maples turn early, but I think this is due to stresses resulting from the steam line running along the road, plus road salt from last winter, and compacted soils.  Finally, two of our most notable vine species, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus virginiana) are starting to turn.  Poison ivy turns an orangy-red color, while Virginia creeper turns a brilliant red.  Because they turn so early, the trees that they climb up are still green, so it’s a nice display of Christmasy colors here early in the fall color season.

Read more at Fall Color Report for Week of August 30, 2015 | Department of Biology | Appalachian State University