Seeing Red
Cynthia Druckenbrod
Sourwood
When fall brings us warm, sunny days and cool, crisp evenings, that is the perfect combination for seeing red— trees, that is! The red color in leaves is caused by a pigment in the cells called anthocyanins. These pigments are actually always present in the leaves, but during the growing season, the red pigments are covered up by chlorophyll which, of course, reflects back to us as green. While many trees turn lovely shades of yellow and orange in autumn, only a few turn a vivid scarlet. Here are four fiery red tree species to plant in your yard:
The author in front of her favorite tree, Black Tupelo
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)— This native species is a slow growing tree attaining heights of 20-30’ in northeast Ohio. In the same family (Ericaeae) as blueberries and cranberries, they too like acidic, moist, well drained soils.
Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)— The fall color of this native tree is unmatched. Growing 30-50’, this species is well-suited for residential areas. Leaves are lustrous, dark green in summer. The cultivar ‘Autumn Cascade’ is a small (8-12’) weeping form which is just lovely. (Click here to read an article about Nyssa sylvatica, provided by Suzy Hartford.)
Shining Sumac (Rhus copallinum)— Also known as the Flameleaf sumac, cultivars such as ‘Creel’s Quintet’ and ‘Prairie Flame’ are both small trees (10-15’) that can form large, spreading colonies. They are great for naturalizing in areas that are hot and dry.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum cvs.)— Many cultivars exist but ‘Brandywine’, ‘Burgundy Belle’, ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Red Sunset’ are well known for having very vivid red hues. Red Maples are highly adaptable, medium sized trees that provide the quintessential fall color in October.