Fall Colors

(trees, berries and late wildflowers)

An early sign that autumn will return to South Texas is the ripening fruit of the flame sumacs. In September, when early morning temperatures dip into the sixties, the berries turn red and sticky. They are tart to taste and can be steeped in water and mixed with sugar to make 'sumac-ade'. When autumn arrives, the leaves of this plant will turn flame red.

Photo by Patty Leslie Pasztor© flame leaf sumac with ripe fruit.

Photo by Allen Perry© Spanish or Texas red oak

In November and December, leaves of the red oaks and elms change colors.

Photo by Bob Badgett© Cedar elm

Photo by Patty Leslie Pasztor© In September, gayfeather blossoms become abundant.

Photo by Bob Badgett© On the cooler north side of the central hills, lacey oaks turn yellow in December.

Bibliography