Great Native Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color

Because of their popularity, colorful trees like maples have been over-planted in many areas. Not having a diverse tree community can have a devastating impact on any landscape. The impact of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer in many regions of the country is just one example. Landscapers can collaborate with a native plant nursery to add vibrant fall colors and contribute to the tree diversity in the area.

Native Trees and Shrubs

Many native species of trees and shrubs add color and intrigue to gardens and yards. From black gums to oaks and sumac, there are plenty of natives to create a stunning landscape. Here are some options:

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Serviceberry is a small tree or shrub with delicate white spring flowers and brilliant fall foliage of red, yellow, and orange. It is ideal for southern landscapes but is native to all of North America. It is easy to grow and adaptable, and the edible fruit in late summer contributes to a sustainable landscape. Harvest the berries for yourself or leave them for the birds.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Native pawpaw trees are often mistakenly overlooked as ornamental plants, but this species offers stunning visuals and value to the environment. The large leaves have a unique, tropical appearance, and the fruit is edible. It is a low-maintenance and adaptable tree that thrives in southern landscapes. Pawpaw is also wildlife-friendly and is frequently visited by birds, opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and zebra swallowtail butterflies. Their deep red leaves bloom into green-yellow fruit, which light up any area it is planted.

White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

The abundant tassel-like flowers in spring make this tree worth planting, but the deep blue fruit color in the fall is also worth waiting for. The American fringetree’s autumn oblong foliage is a clear, bright yellow that stands out in a landscape design. Plant this near a tree or shrub with red fall foliage to create striking contrast.

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

Yellowwood is a medium to large-sized tree, 30 to 50 feet high, with smooth bark. In spring, it grows hanging clusters eight to 14 inches long of fragrant white flowers. Its leaves unfurl as bright yellow-green in spring and change to bright green in summer. In the fall, Yellowwood leaves transform into clear yellow and deep gold.

Dogwood (Cornus spp.)

Dogwood trees are a favorite in the South for their beautiful spring flowers, stunning fall red and maroon leaves, and late-season red berries. Not only are they pretty, but the fruit will attract birds to your garden.

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

This beech tree is the only one native to North America and it turns from bright yellow to orange to brown in the fall. An interesting aspect of the American beech is that its leaves persist until springtime. It also has attractive white bark, grows very slowly, and benefits from shady conditions.

Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

A forest giant, this tree has the hardest wood of any tree in native North American forests. Also known as Tupelo, blackgums turn crimson red in the fall. In rainy conditions, the bark turns dark black, which serves as a stark contrast to the fiery red fall leaves.

Oak (Quercus spp.)

Many oak species like white (Q. alba), swamp white (Q. bicolor), northern red (Q. rubra), pin (Q. palustris), black (Q. velutina), and Shumard (Q. shumardii) have good fall colors. Scarlet oak (Q. coccinea) also produces a dazzling fall display of scarlet to red-purple leaves. Don’t underestimate the beauty oak species can add to landscapes.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) or Flameleaf Sumac (Rhus copallinum)

Flameleaf sumac are shrubby trees that grow upright clusters of red blooms on stems with greenery that fans out and turns red. The spring flower clusters of the staghorn sumac attract pollinators, including bees, wasps, and beetles. 

Sassafras (Sassafras albidium)

A lovely native tree with ornamental and wildlife value, sassafras is a host plant for the spicebush butterfly. The mitten-shaped leaves are unusual and attractive throughout the summer, but in autumn, this native tree stands out even more. Colors range from red, yellow, and pastel pink to apricot. The small blue berries that grow late in the season are a songbird favorite.

Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

Even though viburnums are primarily regarded as shrubs, removing the bottom leaves and branches will give them a tree-like feel. With its smaller size, viburnums are a good solution if you want to fill a small space in your landscape. In fall, the foliage is red, which contrasts with berries that turn from white to pink to deep blue.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

Witch hazel is a large shrub that is easily shaped to look like a tree. The yellow, strap-like flowers that appear in late fall to early winter are a welcome sight to early pollinators. Vernal witch hazel also provides abundant fall interest with long-lasting bright yellow and red foliage. A low-maintenance plant, witch hazel is a good choice for any southern landscape.

Visit a Native Plant Nursery

Native trees and plants alike shift color throughout the year, offering vibrant personality to your yard every season. Keep these trees in mind as you’re planning your garden each year. Visit a native plant nursery for more information on ideal plants to grow in your area.