Fall is often one of the best times in Iowa, with warm days and cool nights, low humidity, very few insects and the brilliant autumn colors of our trees.
Every year, thousands of Iowans and visitors flock to the countryside to view nature's colorful display of red, orange, yellow and purple leaves.
Looking for ways to enjoy Iowa's fall color? Visit
Iowa Tourism.
Fall Color - Legend and Facts
Ash:
Green ash leaves turn yellow, but white ash has a purplish cast. The leaves fall after those of walnut trees, but earlier than those of oaks and maples.
Elms:
Elm leaves turn various shades of yellow with some turning brown before falling, others falling while still yellow.
Hickory:
Leaves turn yellow on hickory trees, then brown before falling.
Maple (Soft):
The leaves of soft (silver) maples turn yellow but do not turn brown before falling.
Maple (Hard):
Brilliant flame red hues are the signature of hard maple leaves. The red pigmentation of some leaves breaks down before falling.
Bur Oak:
Buff to yellow colors predominate in bur oaks. The leaves remain on the tree and turn brown before falling.
Oak (Red):
The red oaks have brilliant red leaves in fall though the color is probably not as intense as that of some hard maples.
Oak (White):
White oaks have a more subdued purple fall leaf color. The leaves then turn brown and often stay on the tree until new leaves begin to grow in the spring.