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Fall Color Report

This is the last fall color report of the season.

 

Report Date Area Description of Fall Color Est. Peak Viewing
10/30/2023 NE Iowa

The fall color season is winding down.  What color remains is mostly from oaks with some splashes of color from scattered maples and aspens. Most trees have dropped their leaves.

Oct. 10-20
10/30/2023 NC and NW Iowa

Fall color is winding down.  Oaks are showing color but many tree species are past peak.

Oct. 14
10/30/2023 Central Iowa

Oaks are in full color showing lots of red, orange, crimson, and even still some green.  A few yellow hard maples are still around.  Mulberry is bright yellow.  Some serviceberry are just coming into full color. Strong winds and cold temperatures stripped away most leaves; peak viewing has past. 

Oct. 14-21
10/30/2023 SE Iowa

Peak fall color. Colors are still pretty good. Leaves will fall more and more through the week. Browns, yellows, reds, and some purple are still showing across the landscape. This is the last week to catch the tail end of peak color season.

Now and fading
10/30/2023 SCentral Iowa

Most vibrant colors are gone for the season. Most species have lost their leaves with the high winds. Some maples and hackberry are still holding on, showing bright yellow. Oaks and hickories are still showing deep purple, red, and brown.

Oct. 16-20

10/23/2023 WC Iowa

 Most of the fall color was lost last week. Some areas of the Central Loess Hills have oaks. Other than bur oak, there will be color in those areas. Most trees that still have their leaves will lose them by the end of the week.

Past

10/23/2023 SW Iowa

Oaks continuing to turn color.  Past peak on other species.

2nd-3rd Week Oct.

 

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Fall Tree Color Information

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.

When do colors peak?

Peak fall color occurs in northeast Iowa, on average, during  the weekend closest to October 10.

Typically, peak fall color occurs progressively later the farther south you go in Iowa. Perhaps the most important thing about fall color is having the time to enjoy it.

Fall Color Map

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Printable Fall Colors State of Iowa Map