In the south, fall color is often underrated. While the north eastern states get most of the credit for having amazing fall foliage, the truth is that there are a number of trees that work well in the south for a pop of fall color. With both shade and small tree options there is bound to be one that fits your landscape and can provide just as much beauty in autumn as their northern counterparts.
Native Trees with Fall Color
Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
The Cedar Elm is large shade tree that can reach up to 80’ in height and is well suited for a majority of the south with a hardiness zone from 6 through 9. Known for its bold splash of bright yellow color in the early fall.
Texas Red Oak
Quercus texana
Texas Red Oaks, as the name implies put on a show of red leaves in the fall and thrive in zones 3-8. This moderately fast-growing oak tree reaches mature heights of 60 to 75 feet , with a spread of 45 to 50 feet.
Bigtooth Maple
Acer grandidentatum
The Bigtooth Maple can be found growing in small pockets from Montana to Mexico but it can be harder to find at the nursery. It is worth the search for the red and yellow fall foliage display you will enjoy every year with this hardy tree. Mature trees can reach 50’ in height.
Redbud Tree
Cercis canadensis
This small native tree only reaches 10 to 20 feet in height with a crown of 15 to 20 feet. It is well known for its display of pink flowers in the spring but with varieties like Forest Pansy or Flame Thrower you can get a bight display of purple to deep red leaves in the fall as well.
Non-Native Trees with Fall Color
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
This well adapted tree for the south has proven to be drought and freeze tolerant with an amazing spring and fall displays of color. For the best fall colors select from the following varieties:
Arapaho - Maroon leaves, 20' Tall x 10' Wide
Muskogee - Orange/red leaves, 25' Tall x 20' Wide
Tuscarora - Orange/red leaves, 15' Tall x 15' Wide
Natchez - Orange/yellow leaves, 30' Tall x 20' Wide
Ginkgo Tree
Ginkgo biloba
There is some disagreement in the industry as to the horticultural value of this antient tree but it can not be beat for it’s bright yellow fall display. Select only male varieties and give it plenty of room for its roots to spread. A tree with a moderate growth rate reaching 25–50' in height with a spread of 25–35’.
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
This small tree can grow in the south but it will do best in rich soils. It will also need protection from direct sun in the heat of the summer. Look for a sheltered site like an alcove of the house with dapple light. With dwarf and weeping varieties this tree can be between just 2’ in height to over 30’ tall.
Invasive Species to Avoid
For anyone who has seen the fall display of trees like Chinese Pistachio, Pistacia chinensis or the Chinaberry Tree, Melia azedarach you might wonder why they are not recommended here. These non-native and invasive species can be harmful to the native environment where they can spread rapidly and out compete native trees.
If you’re looking to add a touch of fall color to your landscape, take a look at some of the native and well adapted trees that thrive in the south. With so many beautiful options, there’s no reason not to enjoy autumn’s showy colors right in your own backyard!