As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, the colors of fall begin to emerge. Reds, yellows, oranges, browns, purples, and greens start taking over the landscape as deciduous trees prepare for winter. But what exactly are the main fall colors we see each autumn?
The Six Main Fall Colors
The six main fall colors are:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Brown
- Purple
- Green
These colors come from pigments called carotenoids that are present in the leaves of deciduous trees. Chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color in the spring and summer, starts to break down as autumn arrives. This reveals the carotenoids that produce the vivid fall colors.
Red
Red autumn leaves come from pigments called anthocyanins. These are produced in the fall as sugars accumulate in the leaves. The cool nights and bright sunny days of fall cause the leaves to produce more and more anthocyanins, resulting in red hues.
Trees that commonly turn red in fall include:
- Maple
- Oak
- Sumac
- Sweetgum
Red leaves can range from bright crimson to deeper maroon shades. This eye-catching color is a staple of the fall landscape.
Orange
Orange leaves come from carotenoids like carotene. These pigments start to show up as the green chlorophyll in leaves breaks down. Carotene specifically produces bold orange hues in many trees.
Some trees with orange fall foliage include:
- Sugar maple
- Black tupelo
- Sassafras
- Persimmon
Orange leaves can vary from bright tangerine to deeper amber tones. They infuse the fall scenery with warmth and vibrance.
Yellow
Yellow fall leaves come from carotenoids like lutein. As chlorophyll disappears, these yellow pigments shine through. Aspen trees in particular turn vibrant yellow in the fall.
Other trees that turn yellow include:
- Birch
- Cottonwood
- American elm
- Black locust
Yellow leaves range from bright lemon to rich gold. Their luminous color is classic for the fall season.
Brown
Brown leaves occur when carotenoids like lutein and carotene are present without anthocyanins. This produces more muted brownish-orange hues.
Some trees with brown fall foliage are:
- Oak
- Beech
- Poplar
- Walnut
Brown signifies late fall as leaves begin to die off. It provides an earthy feel to the autumn landscape.
Purple
Purple foliage comes from a combination of red anthocyanins and yellow carotenoids. These two pigments mix together to create stunning purple hues.
Trees that turn purple in fall include:
- Red maple
- Dogwood
- Plum
- Sweetgum
Purple leaves range from reddish-purple to more blue-toned hues. They give an exotic flair to fall scenery.
Green
Evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and fir stay green throughout fall and winter. Their leaves contain chlorophyll all year round, unlike deciduous trees.
Other trees hold some green leaves late into fall. For example:
- Oak
- Beech
- Magnolia
- Eastern larch
These green stragglers give a reminder of summer amidst the bold fall colors.
What Causes the Fall Colors?
The vivid red, orange, yellow, brown, purple, and green leaves of fall come from natural pigments in the tree leaves. In spring and summer, chlorophyll dominates to produce green foliage. In fall, cooler weather causes chlorophyll to break down, allowing carotenoids like carotene and lutein to shine through. These create the warm shades of fall.
Additionally, glucose production in fall leaves results in anthocyanins that make red and purple pigments. The mix of these pigments with the yellow and orange carotenoids leads to the full range of fall colors.
Why Do Fall Colors Change Each Year?
Fall foliage varies from year to year based on weather conditions. Cool nights, warm sunny days, and ample rainfall produce the most intense color. Dry weather and warm fall temperatures can mute the fall display.
The timing of color change depends on chemicals in each tree species and factors like leaf pigments and sunlight levels. The weather triggers the leaf changes to happen earlier or later each year.
So the best fall color depends on the right mix of sun and precipitation at the proper time to maximize leaf pigments.
When Do Fall Colors Peak?
Fall color tends to peak in late September to early November in northern regions. At higher elevations, peak season is earlier from mid-September to early October.
In southern regions, peak fall foliage happens later from November to early December. The warmer weather means trees change color later than in the north.
Here is a table of when fall colors typically peak in different U.S. regions:
| U.S. Region | Fall Colors Peak |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Early October |
| Southeast | Mid November |
| Midwest | Early October |
| Southwest | Late November |
| Northwest | Mid October |
At higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada, the color show peaks in late September. So the timing varies across the country based on latitude, elevation, and local weather patterns.
Where to See the Best Fall Colors?
Some of the best places in the U.S. to enjoy peak fall colors include:
- New England – Vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage throughout the region
- Appalachian Mountains – Dramatic vistas hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Upper Peninsula, Michigan – Variety of maples and other trees create stunning color
- Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania – Oak and maple forests with mountain views
- Great Smoky Mountains – Oaks, maples, and hickories create vivid color displays
- Ozarks, Arkansas – Bright show of red, orange, and yellow foliage
- Rocky Mountains – Yellow aspens contrast with evergreen pines
- Cascade Mountains – Crimson vine maples set against mountain peaks
- Sierra Nevada, California – Colorful bigtooth maple and aspen groves
State and national parks throughout the U.S. also offer scenic fall drives and hikes to experience the seasonal beauty. Some of the most spectacular autumn displays happen in America’s protected forests.
Conclusion
The six main fall leaf colors – red, orange, yellow, brown, purple, and green – create breathtaking landscapes across the U.S. in autumn. These hues come from natural pigments revealed as chlorophyll breaks down in deciduous trees like maple, oak, aspen, and tupelo. Cool fall nights and sunny days produce the most vibrant palette of fall foliage.
The peak of fall colors shifts from north to south and by elevation as autumn progresses. Checking regional fall color reports can help plan trips to see the best displays. Whether in the Appalachians ablaze in crimson, the Rockies bright with golden aspens, or rainforest maples of the Pacific Northwest, the stunning colors of fall make this beautiful season to get out and enjoy nature.