What’s In Bloom

Though it may not seem to be the case with this week’s warm temperatures, a look at the changing colors of the Greenway trees reminds us that fall is here!

The spectacular colors of fall are a result of cooler temperatures and the dying off of chlorophyll, a leaf’s green pigment. During this time and before the entire plant goes dormant for the winter, a leaf’s other pigments  — red, yellow, orange, and purple pigment — are exposed.

There are as many hot spots for leaf watching on the Greenway. Here’s a list of a few that are particularly spectacular at the moment:

Allee Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Allee’)
•    Color: Wine Red
•    Locations: Chinatown Park

A disease resistant variety often planted as a replacement for the American Elm (though it tends to grow approximately 20’ shorter), the plantings of Allee Chinese Elm are currently providing a great deal of color throughout Chinatown park, nicely complimented by the current Chrysanthemum planting.

Allee Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Allee’)

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
•    Color: Orange (multicolored)
•    Locations: North End Parks, Wharf District Parks, Fort Point Channel Parks

The Allegheny Serviceberry is no stranger to this blog, being highlighted in the spring for its profuse flowering, the summer for its impressive berry production, and finally now in the fall as well for its brilliant leaf color. Pictured here is a specimen in the Northern Fort Point Channel Park.

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
•    Color: Yellow
•    Locations: North End Parks, Wharf District Parks, Fort Point Channel Parks

Native to the Southeastern United States, the salt and drought tolerance of the species have allowed it to become a very important urban street tree. The leaves turn a bright yellow as autumn approaches, but do tend to fall off the tree rather quickly. However, it is a preferred tree for those who loathe leaf cleanup, as the fine foliage tends to blow away in the wind rather than forming a messy pile beneath the tree.

Other notable plants:
•    Witch-alder (Fothergilla): Multicolored, North End Parks and Fort Point Channel Parks
•    Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’): Bright Red, Fort Point Channel Parks
•    Red Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory’) : Red or multicolored (North End Parks, Wharf District Parks, Fort Point Channel Parks)