When it comes to the stunning colors of autumn, there are few sights more captivating than trees adorned in shades of purple. While several trees and shrubs do produce purple leaves in the fall, including dogwood, smoke tree, and sweetgum, the most common trees to showcase these beautiful hues in Wisconsin are ash and maple trees.
One of the most iconic purple-foliaged trees in the fall is the ash tree. Ash trees typically exhibit a range of vibrant colors, including shades of purple, burgundy, and deep red. The leaves of ash trees turn purple due to a combination of factors, including changes in pigmentation and the breakdown of chlorophyll. As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool, the production of chlorophyll decreases, revealing other pigments such as anthocyanin, which gives the leaves their purple hue.
Another tree that graces the autumn landscape with its purple foliage is the maple tree. Maple trees are renowned for their brilliant fall colors, and among these colors, shades of purple are often prominent. Varieties such as the red maple (Acer rubrum) and the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) are particularly known for their stunning purple and burgundy leaves in autumn. The transformation of green maple leaves into shades of purple is a result of the same process as with ash trees, as chlorophyll levels decrease, allowing other pigments to become more visible.
Personal experience has taught me that the intensity of purple foliage can vary depending on environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and overall tree health. In areas with abundant sunlight, purple leaves may appear more vibrant, whereas in shaded areas, the color may be slightly less pronounced. Additionally, soil pH can also influence the intensity of purple foliage, as some trees may produce deeper shades of purple in acidic soils.
It is worth noting that while ash and maple trees are the most common sources of purple foliage in Wisconsin, there are other trees that may also display purple leaves in the fall. Some examples include the purple-leaf plum tree (Prunus cerasifera) and the purple-leaf sand cherry tree (Prunus x cistena), both of which are ornamental trees known for their striking purple foliage.
The sight of purple leaves adorning trees in autumn is a truly remarkable spectacle. While various trees and shrubs can produce purple foliage, ash and maple trees are the ones most commonly associated with these shades in Wisconsin. Their transformation from green to purple is a result of the decrease in chlorophyll production and the unveiling of other pigments, such as anthocyanin. So, next time you take a stroll in Wisconsin during the fall season, keep an eye out for the breathtaking purple leaves of ash and maple trees.
