Trees
Colorful world of
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hen it comes to fall color, some trees naturally stand out. Whether by color or leaf shape, it can be easy to identify your favorite type of tree if you know what to look for. Use this seasonal guide to match up these summer leaves with their colored versions during the autumn months. Nantahala National Forest botanist Duke Rankin says that in addition to matching leaf shapes and colors to their species, leaf lookers should also remember that colors appear at different times. So, if you are hunting for the bright yellow of a tulip poplar, don’t wait until peak week, they just might be gone.
Hickories
Hickory trees turn a brownishyellow. These large trees are irregularly-shaped from a distance and have compound leaves with a brownish edge. Also chang-
ing colors around the middle of October are the Dogwoods, with an oval-shaped leaf. These small trees add a splash of red to the landscape.
Red Maple The Red Maple is common in the area and has a sprawling silhouette when seen from a distance. The leaves have a scribbled edge around the classic shape and turn bright red in early fall.
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This popular leaf shape is the national symbol of Canada, and the country’s most popular hockey team is the Toronto Maple Leafs. This tree typically changes color in early to mid-October.
Leaf Season • 2013