Yep.  It's happening.  Fall is in the air, and the trees are starting to show color.

 

The first tree I notice showing fall color is the Sour gum or Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica.  This one is just across the road from our house, but I've seen Black gums all over the neighborhood with leaves changing color.  You can see scarlet leaves scattered all over the tree.  You can also see the dark blue berries.  

 

You may have heard these trees called Tupelo, Nyssa aquatica.  Same genus, just different species.  Tupelo is more at home in lowlands and swamps.

 

Lumber of Black gum is useful for furniture, boxes, crates, veneer, and paper pulp.  The berries are favorites of Black bear, and many species of birds including ruffed grouse, prairie chicken, pheasant, and wild turkey.  

 

You may see other trees showing fall color:  like the Dogwoods, looking a little pink at a glance when we go by at 45 mph.  Up close you can see their bright red berries.  

 

I love this time of year, when there are beautiful sights everywhere.  And we still have a month to go before they reach their peak.  

 

 

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!