Fall colors are beginning to appear across Iowa, though the seasonal change remains uneven statewide, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) latest color report. In north-central and northwest Iowa, cottonwood and black walnut trees are turning yellow, while red and black maples are slowly showing color. Central Iowa reports about 10 to 15 percent color change, with scattered maples turning orange and red, and sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper displaying deep reds. Southeast and southwest Iowa remain very early in the transition, with bottomland species such as cottonwood, walnut, and elm, showing hints of yellow and brown. Some roadside shrubs and vines are adding purple and red hues. In west-central Iowa, fall color has been relatively dull after early leaf loss among sumac and cottonwood trees. Prairies changed earlier than usual, and ironwood trees in the southwest are now starting to turn yellow. Check the latest color reports using the link included with this story on our website.
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