Stunning beech trees growing in the autumn weather.
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21 Best Trees With Colorful Autumn Leaves And Fall Foliage! Red, Orange, And Yellow Leaves!

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As the days grow shorter, nature puts on a spectacular show with trees adorned in vibrant autumn hues. And of all the trees with colorful fall leaves, these 21 are our favorites. Their fiery red, deep purple, and golden yellow foliage will transform your surroundings into a breathtaking autumn wonderland.

Sound good?

Then, let’s soak in these remarkable fall colors!

Beautiful maple trees with colorful fall foliage.

21 Best Trees With Colorful Autumn Leaves And Fall Foliage

Discover these magnificent trees that will paint your landscape with fabulous fall flushes.

1. Beech Trees

Lovely beech tree with lovely autumn colors orange and yellow leaves.

Beech trees look gorgeous in autumn! Their leaves turn a lovely golden-bronze color that glows in the sunlight. The smooth and silvery-gray bark provides a striking contrast to the warm-hued foliage and creates a mesmerizing display.

  • Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 70 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Dark green in spring and summer, transitioning to golden bronze or yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: Late October to November.

Did you know that beech trees have been used for centuries to make food-grade containers? They excel as a container due to their fine grain and resistance to splitting.

2. Cypress Trees (Bald Cypress)

Swamp cypress trees with colorful brown and orange fall foliage.

Cypress trees can easily surprise you with their fall beauty. These deciduous conifers create a stunning spectacle as their needle-like leaves turn a rich copper-orange before falling.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 70 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green in summer, turning coppery-bronze before shedding.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to early November.

Cypress trees, especially the Hinoki cypress, are revered in Japanese culture. The wood has many desirable attributes, including durability, resistance to rot, and a pleasant aroma.

3. Aspen Trees

Beautiful aspen trees with lovely orange fall foliage.

Aspen leaves quake and shimmer in the breeze. Their delicate stems render a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. They transform into brilliant gold in autumn, creating a dazzling spectacle against the crisp blue sky. Each gust of wind sends ripples of golden light across the landscape.

  • Zones: 1 to 7.
  • Tree Height: 20 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Bright green in summer, changing to vibrant yellow and gold in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: Late September to October.

Here’s another wild fact. A group of aspens (named a stand of aspens) is often a single organism connected by its massive root system, arguably making it one of the largest living organisms on Earth!

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4. Black Gum Trees

Gorgeous black gum tree with orange and yellow leaves.

Black gum tree leaves are spectacular. They offer a breathtaking palette ranging from vibrant yellows to fiery oranges to deep, rich purples. As the season progresses, this colorful symphony evolves into a constantly changing show that captivates from the first hint of fall until the last leaf falls.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 30 to 50 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Glossy green, turning red, yellow, and purple in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: September to early November.

The berries of black gum trees are a crucial food source for migratory birds. You might expect them to visit during their journeys!

5. Yellow Poplar Trees

Lovely tulip poplar tree with yellow fall foliage.

Yellow poplar trees (or tulip trees) transform the autumn forest into a luminous spectacle. Their broad, distinctively shaped blooms resemble lyres or tulip flowers. They turn a lovely buttery yellow that seemingly captures the sunlight.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 70 to 90 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green in spring/summer, transforming into golden-yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

Native Americans often used large trees like the yellow poplar to make dugout canoes due to the tree’s tall, straight trunks and lightweight wood.

6. Hickory Trees

Colorful hickory tree with gorgeous yellow fall foliage.

Hickory trees stand as the golden giants of fall! They always command attention in the autumn landscape. Their expansive canopies transform into a rich, deep yellow that evokes images of honey drizzled in sunlight. The sturdy, ridged bark contrasts the delicate color of the foliage, adding texture and depth to the visual feast.

  • Zones: 4 to 8.
  • Tree Height: 60 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Dark green, turning to a golden yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

The wood of hickory trees is famous for its shock resistance and durability. It’s a popular choice for tool handles and sporting equipment.

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7. Silver Maple Trees

Thick maple trees with lovely orange or yellow autumn leaves.

Silver maple leaves transform magnificently in the fall. They morph into an autumny palette of pale yellows, vibrant golds, and deep crimsons. Their colorful leaves create a notable contrast against the tree’s distinctive silvery-gray bark.

  • Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green in summer, shifting to pale yellow with hints of red and brown in autumn.
  • Fall Palette Window: October.

Silver maples are fast-growing trees that provide quick shade. They’re popular around urban neighborhoods and streets.

8. Tupelo Trees

Epic tupelo tree with pretty red or brownish foliage.

Tupelo trees deserve their reputation as the chameleons of fall. As summer wanes, the first hints of change appear, with subtle yellows emerging amidst the green foliage. Soon after, warm oranges bleed into the yellows, creating a tapestry reminiscent of citrus fruits ripening in the sun. As autumn progresses, deep scarlets appear, spreading across the canopy like wildfire.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 30 to 50 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, transitioning to shades of scarlet, orange, and purple in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: September to November.

The name tupelo comes from the Native American words for tree and swamp.

9. Maple Trees

Bright and vibrant maple trees with red foliage.

Maple trees are beautiful fall trees with foliage ranging from fiery reds and warm oranges to bright yellows. Their lobed leaves create a mesmerizing mosaic effect as they change. They also produce yummy maple syrup, so you can’t lose.

  • Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 40 to 100 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, shifting to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

In Japan, the tradition of momijigari, or maple viewing, has been celebrated for centuries, much like cherry blossoms in spring.

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10. American Ash Trees

Lovely American ash tree with red and orange fall foliage.

American ash trees have compound leaves that turn lovely shades of purple and yellow. The gradual transformation often creates a stunning gradient effect along each branch. It’s like they’re trying to outdo the sunset!

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Deep green, turning to shades of yellow, purple, or burgundy in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

Ashwood has been traditionally used to make baseball bats, giving the tree a special place in America’s favorite pastime.

11. Redbud Trees

Deep orange and red leafed red bud tree in autumn.

Take notice of the redbud trees in fall! Their heart-shaped leaves turn a cheery yellow that can elevate the fall spirit. Their golden hue seems to glow, especially when backlit by the autumn sun. They’re seemingly squeezing every last drop of sunlight before the cold weather comes.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 20 to 30 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, turning to yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October.

Native Americans found various uses for the redbud tree beyond its ornamental beauty. The inner bark was sometimes utilized in traditional medicine, while others used the tree’s flowers as food.

12. Sweetgum Trees

Lovely sweetgum tree with orange or pinkish leaves.

Sweetgum trees are the kaleidoscopes of autumn. Their star-shaped leaves transform into a mix of purple, red, and yellow. And these colors often appear all on the same leaf! This vibrant display complements their spiky seed pods, which add textural interest to the elegant autumn display. It’s like nature’s way of showing off.

  • Zones: 5 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 60 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, shifting to red, orange, yellow, and purple in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: Late October to November.

The tree’s spiky seed pods, known as gumballs, can be dried and used in crafts, adding a unique texture to fall decorations.

Read More – 21 Beautiful Summer And Fall Flowers With Colorful Blooms!

13. Birch Trees

Lovely birch trees with colorful orange and yellow autumn leaves.

There’s something magical about birch trees in fall. Their leaves turn a bright, lemony yellow, contrasting beautifully with their white bark. The effect is particularly striking in groves, where the golden canopy floats above the pale, slender trunks.

  • Zones: 2 to 7.
  • Tree Height: 30 to 70 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green in summer, turning golden yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: September to October.

Thanks to its waterproof and durable nature, birch bark has been used for centuries to make canoes, containers, and paper.

14. Oak Trees

Epic northern oak tree with beautiful orange and red fall foliage.

Oak leaves slowly transform into deep reds and rich browns in autumn. Their thick, leathery texture adds depth to their fall colors and creates a rich tapestry in the forest (or neighborhood) canopy.

  • Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 40 to 80 feet, depending on the species.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, changing to russet, red, yellow, or brown in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

Acorns from oak trees are a crucial food source for many wildlife species. They support entire forest ecosystems.

15. Persimmon Trees

Colorful persimmon tree with gorgeous orange fruits in the autumn.

Persimmon trees are the subtle beauties of fall. Their leaves turn a soft yellow and orange, which creates a warm glow in your backyard food forest. As the leaves fall, they reveal the tree’s fruit, which ripens to a deep orange, adding pops of color to the autumn landscape.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 35 to 60 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Dark green, transforming to yellow, orange, or reddish-purple in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October.

According to local legends and folklore, persimmon seeds help predict winter weather. The kernel shape inside the seed supposedly indicates whether the winter will be mild, cold, or snowy. (Fork shape kernels predict a mild winter. But a spoon or knife shape represents a wickedly cold and icy winter ahead!)

Read More – 21 Best Garden Crops To Grow As Backyard Chicken Feed!

16. Ginkgo Trees

Legendary ginkgo tree with beautiful yellow fall colors.

Ginkgo trees have been around for so long that many consider them living fossils. They also put on a spectacular autumn show! Their fan-shaped leaves transform into a brilliant golden yellow that glows in the fall sunlight. I love how all the leaves tend to drop at once, creating a stunning golden carpet beneath the tree almost overnight.

  • Zones: 3 to 8.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 80 feet (can reach 100 feet in ideal conditions).
  • Foliage Colors: Bright green in summer, turning brilliant golden yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: Late October to early November.

Ginkgo trees are remarkably resilient and are famous for living for over a thousand years. Some specimens in China are allegedly over 2,500 years old! (Not a typo.)

17. Eastern White Pine Trees

Lovely Eastern white pine tree growing in a park.

While they don’t change colors, Eastern white pines beautifully contrast the fall landscape. Their evergreen needles remind me of Christmas trees and provide a steady backdrop for the colorful deciduous trees. They’re like the strong, silent type in the autumn forest theater.

  • Zones: 3 to 8.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Evergreen, with no color change.
  • Fall Palette Window: N/A (Evergreen).

The Eastern white pine is Maine and Michigan’s state tree. Its pine cones make lovely natural decorations for fall wreaths.

18. Black Walnut Trees

Lovely walnut trees with yellow fall foliage.

Black walnut trees might not be the showiest in fall. But I appreciate their understated elegance. Their leaves turn a soft yellow that gently whispers of autumn’s arrival. Plus, the walnuts they drop are a treat for wildlife (and ambitious bakers)!

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 50 to 75 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, turning yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: Late September to October.

Homesteaders from past generations used black walnut husks to make a natural dye that added a rich brown color to fabrics and basketry.

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19. Sycamore Trees

Sycamore tree with lovely golden fall foliage.

Sycamore trees are the gentle giants of autumn. Their large leaves turn a warm brown hue and create a satisfying crunch underfoot. I love how their mottled bark becomes more visible as the leaves fall.

  • Zones: 4 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 70 to 100 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Bright green, transitioning to shades of gold, brown, and yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

Sycamore trees are prominent in urban areas due to their tolerance for pollution and ability to provide ample shade.

20. Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Lovely sourwood tree with red orange fall foliage.

The Sourwood tree is a standout choice for gardens and landscapes due to its year-round appeal and stunning fall color. In the summer, its long, delicate white flowers resemble lily-of-the-valley blooms, which attract many pollinators. Then, fall brings a spectacular display of fiery red, purple, and orange foliage.

  • Zones: 2 to 7.
  • Tree Height: 20 to 25 if cultivated, much taller in the wild (up to 70 feet.).
  • Foliage Colors: Crimson, burgundy, yellow, purple.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

This tree is famous for producing the renowned sourwood honey. It also has deep roots in Appalachian culture, where beekeepers have long harvested honey from its fragrant blooms.

21. Elm Trees

Lovely maple trees with orange and yellow fall foliage.

Elm trees are the often-overlooked gems of fall. Their leaves turn a lovely yellow that seems to last all season. I adore how their vase-shaped silhouettes stand out against the autumn sky and create a picturesque scene worthy of a postcard.

  • Zones: 3 to 9.
  • Tree Height: 60 to 80 feet.
  • Foliage Colors: Green, shifting to shades of yellow in fall.
  • Fall Palette Window: October to November.

Have you ever heard of Dutch elm disease? It’s a nasty tree disease that once wreaked havoc on the elm tree populations in the USA! It first came to the US in the early 1900s. By the 1970s, it had killed millions of elm trees. The disease persists today, but resistant elm tree varieties have helped keep it in check.

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Conclusion

These were the 21 best trees with beautiful autumn leaves! While we can’t decide which fall tree we love the most, we sure had fun analyzing and cataloging them.

What about you?

  1. Which autumn leaf color is your favorite?
  2. Do you have any of these trees in your yard or neighborhood? Which ones catch your eye?
  3. What’s your favorite way to enjoy the fall foliage?
  4. Have you ever planted a tree specifically for its autumn colors?
  5. If you could create a mini autumn forest, which three trees from this list would you choose?

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!

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