Fall colors are finally beginning to show in earnest, but autumn lovers in west-central Iowa may be in for a disappointing season, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR’s arborists say the listening area will likely see subdued colors, largely attributable to the above-normal temperatures that have persisted in the region throughout most of September and the first half of October. In southwest Iowa, reds are appearing in oaks and hickories, while bottomland species such as cottonwood, walnut, and ash are further along in their seasonal change. In north-central and northwest Iowa, coloring remains sporadic, with sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper beginning to show their red hues. Central Iowa has 15-20 percent of foliage showing color. There, maples and black cherry trees are turning orange and red, while walnut, cottonwood, basswood, elm, and hackberry are transitioning to yellow. Southeast Iowa is seeing early color primarily in bottomland species, with cottonwood, walnut, hickory, and elm showing yellow and brown, and urban maples displaying reds and yellows. South central Iowa, including Lucas County, shows hints of color, with hickories turning brown, Kentucky coffee trees bright yellow, and sumacs and ivies deep red. The DNR provides weekly reports on Iowa’s color landscape during the fall, and a link to the latest is included with this story online.
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