While spring gets all the glory for flowering trees, there are a number of stunning species that bloom in autumn as well. Extending the floral display into fall, these trees provide a final hurrah of color before the bleakness of winter sets in. Ranging from delicate blossoms to vibrant foliage, they bring joy and sustenance for pollinators during the cooler months.
If you want to enhance your landscape with trees that bloom in fall here are 7 top picks
Chinese Lacebark Elm
With its graceful, vase-shaped form peeling bark and clusters of fragrant flowers, the Chinese lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a visual delight in fall. The bark sheds in patches, revealing unique mottled patterns in grey, green, brown and orange. The small green leaves turn yellow in autumn. Clusters of tiny scented flowers appear in September, attracting pollinators before they give way to winged fruit. Hardy, resistant to Dutch elm disease, and adaptable, this elm thrives with minimal care across diverse climates.
Coral Bark Maple
The coral bark maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) reveals its beauty as its leaves fade in fall. As the green summer foliage drops, it unveils a spectacle of color. Bright red stems shine against the bare branches in winter. The tree explodes in pink, yellow, and cream blossoms in late fall to early spring, offering a welcome source of nectar for bees. Though technically a shrub, it can be trained into a small delicate tree. Its vibrant color makes it a perfect focal point specimen.
Crape Myrtle
Known for its vibrant summer blooms, the crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) continues the display into fall in mild climates. Panicles of ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, purple and white persist into the cooler months, finally dropping as the tree goes dormant. The peeling multicolored bark also adds winter interest. Many varieties of this classic southern tree offer fall blooms. For the longest flowering period, choose reblooming selections like ‘Natchez’ or ‘Tuscarora.’
European Beech
In fall, the spreading canopy of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree transforms into a cloud of coppery gold leaves. Smooth silver bark provides additional interest after the leaves drop. While not a true floral display, the beechnuts emerge from early to late fall in prickly cases. These nutritious nuts attract birds and squirrels. Though large at maturity, beech trees are slow growing, making them ideal for smaller residential landscapes. They thrive in full sun to part shade with minimal maintenance.
Japanese Stewartia
The Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) bursts into bloom as the foliage transforms in fall. Cup-shaped white flowers with bright yellow stamens scatter along the bare branches from September to October. In spring, new leaves emerge in hues of purple, green and bronze, eventually turning a rich green. The bark exfoliates in patches, revealing a unique mosaic of cream, amber and reddish-brown shades. Though slow growing, this small ornamental tree makes a statement in any woodland garden.
Paperbark Maple
Just as its name suggests, the paperbark maple (Acer griseum) boasts a photogenic peeling reddish-brown bark that provides year-round interest. In early fall, small clusters of petite reddish flowers appear, followed by winged samaras. The trifoliate leaves turn brilliant crimson red in autumn. Slow growing and low branched, it’s an excellent small accent tree even for smaller yards. The cinnamon-colored bark is particularly striking against a snowy backdrop in winter.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) bursts into white floral beauty in early fall, just as its foliage transitions to vibrant reds and oranges. The delicate, 5-petaled blossoms emerge first, followed by sweet, berry-like purple fruits that attract birds. Varieties range from multi-stemmed shrubs to small trees up to 30 feet tall. Some have bronzy peeling bark for additional seasonal interest. Adaptable and low maintenance, serviceberries thrive in full sun or part shade across diverse soil types, including clay.
Final Thoughts
Extending floral color and interest into autumn, these remarkable trees blossom as summer wanes, providing a final hurrah before frosty weather sets in. Their unique beauty, adaptability, and appeal to pollinators make them excellent additions to any landscape. Embrace the fall flowering season by incorporating one of these captivating selections into your own garden.
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Garrett Cleverly knows a lot about all the Native American and non-Native American plants, trees, succulents, and cacti that grow in the southern United States. Garrett has a love for gardening and all things outdoors.
Fall Blooming Trees You Should Know About | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What kind of trees bloom in the fall?
What trees are in the fall season?
Do any trees blossom in winter?
Do any flowers bloom in autumn?
What trees bloom in the fall?
Dogwoods. Dogwood is another popular landscape tree that’s best known for its spring blossoms but also puts on quite a show in fall. Two good choices are Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), with red or yellow leaves, and Cherokee Sunset flowering dogwood (C. florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’) with red-purple leaves.
Which deciduous trees have the best autumn color?
Here are 12 types of deciduous trees that provide both great autumn color and have at least one other notable feature. The honeylocust typically produces bright yellow fall foliage, but the ‘Sunburst’ cultivar is even more interesting because its leaves feature a touch of green mixed into the yellow.
What are the best trees for fall color?
Here are 40 of the best trees for fall color, known for their stunning displays that capture the essence of autumn: The Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum, dazzles with autumn hues of yellows, oranges, and reds.
Do trees flower in autumn?
Fall is an exciting time in the garden, with cooler temperatures resulting in foliage taking on its characteristic yellow, orange, and red tones. Trees that flower in autumn, however, are often overlooked.