Harry and I recently hiked in the Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky to enjoy the fall color. Trees were creating the biggest splashes, however shrubs and low-growing trees were also adding to the color and bringing it closer to eye level.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) was abundant with its colorful mitten-shaped leaves.
There are several varieties of native blueberries (Vaccinium) and most have colorful fall foliage. These were abundant, creating areas of beautiful ground cover.
Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) wasn’t abundant but it’s a shrub I’m always glad to see. The unusual color of its rosy-magenta leaves makes it a special treat.
We have all three of these plants growing and adding color in our backyard. When I can’t be in the woods I like knowing I have a little bit of wildness close at hand.
Betty,
As always I enjoy and look forward to your pictures. I recently got back from another section on the AT. I did the section, in the Smokies, from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap. The elevation hovered around 6000 feet so the deciduous vegetation was sparse. There were several spots with snow and the views were fantastic! Look forward to your next blog.
Steve
Steve, congratulations on hiking another section of the AT. Look forward to hearing more about the experience and possibly see some photos?
Loved all the colors! Some of questions: Does the blueberry variety in your yard
ever bear fruit?
And, if allowed, will the maple-leaf shrub turn into a “giving” tree? 🙂
Yes, Beth, the blueberries bear fruit, and I usually get a few berries, but so far, I’ve let the birds have most of them. As for the maple-leaf shrub turning into a “giving” tree – well, it will never be a tree. However, it has already given me much pleasure so I think it’s fair to call it a “giving” shrub. 🙂