Natural History Wanderings

California Fall Color reports on how black leaf spot fungus is impacting fall color in parts of the Sierra Nevada. See some early reports below

• 0 – 10% – Lake Tahoe – Aspen groves are just beginning to turn color.  Most of the groves are drier than usual, with some having lost leaves.
• 0 – 10% – CA-267 (Spooner Summit) – Willows are at full peak with orange yellow leaves.  Aspen have begun to lose leaves, some are beginning to show color change, black leaf spot fungus affects about a third of the stands, which are drier than usual.
• 0 – 10% – CA-89 (Little Truckee River) – Half the aspen have lost leaves or are afflicted with black leaf spot.  The remaining stands appear healthy and with full green foliage that should turn beautifully in early October.
• 0 – 10% – Lake Davis and Frenchman’s Lake – Aspen are drier than usual with some having been thinned out, though overall color should be good.

See full article and photos at California Fall Color