Fall colors are nearing their peak across Iowa, with west-central Iowa expected to see the best display this weekend. Drought conditions and high winds in our area have caused some trees to change color early, and vibrant yellows will dominate the landscape. Sumac and vines add touches of red while the last of the fall prairie flowers are fading. Prairie grasses are expected to turn brown by week’s end. In northeast Iowa, cool nights have enhanced the bright reds and oranges of sugar maples and the yellows of aspens. North-central and northwest Iowa are already at peak, showcasing vibrant orange and red maples, along with yellows from ash, hickory, cottonwood, and walnut trees. Central Iowa will hit peak color over the next ten days, with yellows from a variety of trees and reds from sumac and Virginia creeper. The landscape remains mostly green in southwest Iowa, though native shrubs and some trees are beginning to show their fall colors. A link to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fall color report is included below.
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