Autumn is a season known for its beautiful display of fall foliage and rich, warm color palettes. As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool, the leaves on deciduous trees start to change color in preparation for winter. This process creates a stunning palette of autumnal hues that decorate fields, forests, parks and backyards. So what are the signature colors that make up the pallet of autumn? Here we will explore the brilliant autumn leaf colors, what causes them to change, and some of the common color combinations seen during fall.
The Science Behind Autumn Leaf Colors
Leaves get their green color from chlorophyll, the pigment that helps plants photosynthesize food. In the fall, as daylight hours decrease, trees stop producing as much chlorophyll, allowing other pigments in the leaves to become visible. These include:
- Carotenoids – Produce yellow, orange and brown colors
- Anthocyanins – Add vibrant red and purple shades
- Tannins – Contribute brown undertones
The specific colors that emerge depend on the pigments present in each tree species. Weather conditions during the season also play a role, influencing color intensity and longevity. Cool nights and bright, sunny days create the most dazzling autumn displays.
The Palette of Autumn
So what colors make up the palette of fall? Here are some of the standout leaf hues of the season and the trees that produce them:
Red
Vibrant crimson reds create striking pops of color in the autumn landscape. Red maple trees are famous for their brilliant scarlet leaves. Other trees that turn red in fall include:
- Sumac
- Black tupelo
- Dogwood
The red pigment anthocyanin is responsible for this eye-catching color.
Orange
Orange is another dominant fall shade, lighting up landscapes with its warm, luminous tone. Trees that turn orange during autumn include:
- Sugar maple
- Aspen
- Black gum
- Sassafras
Carotenoids like carotene produce the orange color.
Yellow
Yellow is possibly the quintessential color of fall. Vivid yellow leaves can create stunning backdrops when lit by the low angle of the autumn sun. Some trees that turn yellow are:
- Birch
- Cottonwood
- Ash
- Tulip poplar
- Linden
Lutein is the carotenoid responsible for brilliant yellows.
Purple
Deep purple leaves provide moody, regal tones to the autumn landscape. Trees like the black tupelo display vivid magentas and plums as their leaves change. Other purple foliage includes:
- Chestnut
- Cherry
- Plum
Purple hues result from the production of anthocyanin pigments.
Brown
Brown leaves might not seem as exciting as their red, orange and yellow counterparts, but they definitely contribute to the fall color palette. Oaks, hickories and beeches turn lovely shades of bronze, copper and rust. Tannins produce the earthy brown tones.
| Color | Responsible Pigment | Example Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Anthocyanins | Maple, sumac, tupelo |
| Orange | Carotenoids | Maple, aspen, gum |
| Yellow | Carotenoids | Birch, cottonwood, ash |
| Purple | Anthocyanins | Tupelo, cherry, plum |
| Brown | Tannins | Oak, hickory, beech |
Common Color Combinations
While individual trees display single hues, forests and landscapes often blend several fall colors for visually stunning palettes. Here are some classic autumn color combinations:
Red, Orange and Yellow
The most iconic fall palette includes vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. This fiery mix evokes the blazing colors of the setting autumn sun. Trees like maples, aspens, birches and oaks commonly blend these warm shades.
Red and Purple
Deep red purple foliage provides a regal, dramatic backdrop to red leaves. The contrast makes both colors pop. You’ll see this blend with maples and other trees that turn red combined with tupelos or cherries exhibiting purple hues.
Orange and Green
Orange fall leaves combined with the remaining green foliage on conifers creates a lively, complementary palette. The green pines act as a perfect backdrop to make the orange colors stand out. You’ll often see this blend with aspens and larches.
Yellow and Green
Buttery yellow leaves also look beautiful when contrasted with verdant green pines and spruces. The combo has a cool, calming vibe. Birch and cottonwood are trees that create this palette when their golden leaves appear against evergreen conifers.
Red, Orange, Yellow and Green
For the ultimate fall palette, add green conifers to a mix of red, orange and yellow deciduous trees. The variety of contrasting hues creates incredible depth and visual interest. This color combination offers quintessential New England fall scenery.
Conclusion
Autumn presents nature’s most vibrant seasonal palette. Tree species ranging from maples, oaks, aspens and tupelos display single scarlet, crimson, orange or purple leaves. But blended forest landscapes provide dazzling complementary color combinations like red and purple, yellow and green, or orange paired with the contrast of evergreen foliage. Understanding the science behind these incredible hues reveals why fall fills forests with such eye-catching beauty. The annual display of autumn’s colors paints landscapes with the richest, warmest, most stunning palette.