First, Pick Out Your Favorites<\/h2>
Use the slideshow below to choose your favorite trees for fall color. Then, use the table of contents to navigate to your preferred trees to learn more about them.<\/p>
![\"Smooth](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Smooth-Sumac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brent Bergherm\/Danita Delimont<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Serviceberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Iva<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Clustered](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Mountain-Ash.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sue Smith<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Wilted](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stephanie Frey<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Glossy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Black-Gum_Tupelo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stimmungsbilder1<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Sassafras](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sassafras.jpg\")
Photo Credit: eqroy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Branch](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Persimmon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: eqroy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Quaking-Aspen.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drake Fleege<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Fiery](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: \uc815\uc758 \ubc15<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Brilliant](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ginkgo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: P. Lesley<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Golden-orange](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bald-Cypress.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pavel Iarunichev<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Beech.jpg\")
Photo Credit: dlbillings<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Scarlet](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Scarlet-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: \u042e\u0440\u0456\u0439 \u0411\u043e\u0440\u0438\u0441\u043e\u0432<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Brightly](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Sweetgum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Emiko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Sugar](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sugar-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: mtatman<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Golden-yellow](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Shagbark-Hickory.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photography by Jack<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure>
![\"Majestic](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pawel Horazy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption> <\/figure><\/div>
- 1. Smooth Sumac<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Serviceberry<\/a><\/li>
- 3. American Mountain Ash<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Flowering Dogwood<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Black Gum\/Tupelo<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Sassafras<\/a><\/li>
- 7. American Persimmon<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Quaking Aspen<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Red Maple<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Ginkgo<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Bald Cypress<\/a><\/li>
- 12. American Beech<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Scarlet Oak<\/a><\/li>
- 14. American Sweetgum<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Sugar Maple<\/a><\/li>
- 16. Shagbark Hickory<\/a><\/li>
- 17. Red Oak<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Smooth Sumac <\/h2>
Rhus glabra<\/em><\/p>
![\"Smooth](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Smooth-Sumac.jpg?wsr\")
Smooth Sumac. Photo Credit: Brent Bergherm\/Danita Delimont<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 2 to 9<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 10 to 15 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 15 to 20 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Brilliant orange to deep red<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Adaptable to poor soils; drought-tolerant; full sun<\/li> <\/ul>
Smooth sumac is an outstanding choice if you\u2019re looking for reliable fall color with minimal maintenance. This fast-growing native puts on some of the earliest and most vibrant autumn displays. Red berry clusters extend smooth sumac\u2019s seasonal interest well into the winter months.<\/p>
Nancy Kreith, extension educator with the Illinois Extension, sings its praises for color, adaptability, and purpose: \u201cBrilliant red, orange, and purple in early fall, this tree is known for its ability to survive on poor sites. (It) serves well to stabilize banks and tolerates dry soils.\u201d<\/p>
2. Serviceberry <\/h2>
Amelanchier spp.<\/em><\/p>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Serviceberry.jpg?wsr\")
Serviceberry. Photo Credit: Iva<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 2 to 8<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 25 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 15 to 25 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Orange-red to yellow<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Adaptable to a variety of soils; full sun to partial shade<\/li> <\/ul>
With about 30 different species to choose from, the native serviceberry offers white spring flowers, edible summer berries, and reliable fall color. Incredibly adaptable, they tolerate poor soil, drought, and even partially-shaded planting spots.<\/p>
Serviceberry is perfect for small properties, naturalized areas, or planted as understory trees beneath larger canopies.<\/p>
Every expert I talked to had something pleasing to say about serviceberry\u2019s great red-orange fall color and edible fruit. <\/p>
When it comes to cultivars, Kerr recommends \u2018Autumn Brilliance\u2019 serviceberry. According to him, they\u2019re \u201ccold-tolerant, minimal-mess,\u201d and grow in pretty poor soils and a range of soil pH values. <\/p>
Kreith favors \u2018Downy\u2019 serviceberry. It has “great year-round interest with bark, spring flowers (before leafing out), fruits,\u201d and its \u201cexcellent fall color ranging from yellow to orange and bronze-red,\u201d she says.<\/p>
3. American Mountain Ash <\/h2>
Sorbus americana<\/em><\/p>
![\"Clustered](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Mountain-Ash.jpg?wsr\")
American Mountain Ash. Photo Credit: Sue Smith<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 2 to 6<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 15 to 25 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Orange to red<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Moist, well-drained soil; cool climates; full sun to partial shade<\/li> <\/ul>
American mountain ash features white spring flower clusters that give way to \u201cgreat red-orange foliage color in the fall along with bright orange berries,\u201d says Karen Panter, emeritus professor and retired extension horticulture specialist with the University of Wyoming. The small, flame-colored berries are an ideal snack for birds and other wildlife.<\/p>
This beautiful native tree is ideal for northern landscapes and thrives in cool, mountainous regions where many other trees struggle to survive. <\/p>
4. Flowering Dogwood<\/h2>
Cornus florida<\/em><\/p>
![\"Wilted](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg?wsr\")
Flowering Dogwood. Photo Credit: Stephanie Frey<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 5 to 9<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Red to purple<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Well-drained, acid soil rich in organic matter; partial shade<\/li> <\/ul>
The best description comes from Kreith: The flowering dogwood is \u201ca beautiful native understory tree. It has consistent red to reddish-purple fall color. Similar to serviceberry, it has great year-round interest, (putting on an) outstanding spring flower display without leaves.\u201d According to her, it \u201cmakes an excellent specimen tree.\u201d <\/p>
Dogwood trees are perfect accent platings for smaller landscapes and woodland gardens. They prefer protection from harsh afternoon sun and benefit from mulching around the base<\/a> to keep the roots cool.<\/p>
5. Black Gum\/Tupelo<\/h2>
Nyssa sylvatica<\/em><\/p>
![\"Glossy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Black-Gum_Tupelo.jpg?wsr\")
Black Gum\/Tupelo. Photo Credit: Stimmungsbilder1<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 9<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 30 to 50 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 20 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Intense scarlet-red<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Adaptable to various soils, tolerates wet areas; full sun to partial shade<\/li> <\/ul>
If you\u2019re looking for early-season fall color, look no further than black gum trees. They are often among the first to start changing colors in the fall, producing incredibly intense red foliage in mid-to-late September or early October: \u201camazing fall color that shows up from a distance,\u201d Kreith adds. <\/p>
This native tree is incredibly adaptable, thriving where other trees struggle. It also provides berries for birds and supports native pollinators.<\/p>
A staple tree in the eastern U.S., Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University, recommends black gum. He says it\u2019s \u201cone of the most impressive fall color displays that you can find in a tree \u2013 rivals even maples!…Look for cultivars like Afterburner (\u2018David Odom\u2019) and Firestarter (\u2018JFS-Red\u2019) for their upright compact shorter habit and \u2018Wildfire\u2019 for its eye-catching red new growth in spring.\u201d<\/p>
6. Sassafras<\/h2>
Sassafras albidum<\/em><\/p>
![\"Sassafras](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sassafras.jpg?wsr\")
Sassafras. Photo Credit: eqroy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 9<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 30 to 60 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 25 to 40 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Brilliant yellow, orange, and red (often all three colors on the same tree)<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Adaptable to various well-drained soils; full sun to partial shade <\/li> <\/ul>
Sassafras offers exceptional fall color with its unique mitten-shaped leaves turning brilliant combinations of yellow, orange, and red simultaneously. The bark is known for its spicy, aromatic scent, often described as a blend of cinnamon, star anise, and citrus, with a hint of vanilla.<\/p>
Native to the Southeast and the Appalachian regions, it thrives in these areas where Kreith says \u201cit requires little to no upkeep\u201d and is drought-tolerant. It\u2019s a perfect tree for homeowners in eastern climates seeking a reliable autumn spectacle with distinctive character.<\/p>
7. American Persimmon<\/h2>
Diospyros virginiana<\/em><\/p>
![\"Branch](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/American-Persimmon.jpg?wsr\")
American Persimmon. Photo Credit: eqroy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 9<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 35 to 60 feet<\/li>
- Mature Width:<\/strong> 20 to 35 feet<\/li>
- Fall Foliage Color:<\/strong> Yellow to orange<\/li>
- Growing Conditions:<\/strong> Adaptable to various soils; drought-tolerant; full sun to partial shade<\/li> <\/ul>
Beautiful fall color, plus edible fruit? It\u2019s a winning combination on the American persimmon tree. Trees provide a lovely yellow to orange color, along with sweet fruit that ripens after the first frost.<\/p>
These natives are extremely drought-tolerant and adaptable to a range of planting conditions; they\u2019re valuable for challenging soils and offer wildlife food and distinctive bark patterns for winter interest.<\/p>
8. Quaking Aspen<\/h2>
Populus tremuloides<\/em><\/p>
![\"Tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Quaking-Aspen.jpg?wsr\")
Quaking Aspen. Photo Credit: Drake Fleege<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Growing Zones:<\/strong> 1 to 6<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 35 to 60 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 30 to 60 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 30 to 50 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 15 to 25 feet<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 10 to 15 feet<\/li>
- 2. Serviceberry<\/a><\/li>