EIGHT NATIVE SHRUBS AND TREES WITH MIDWESTERN FALL COLORS

Fall is a magical time of year, and one of the best things about it is the stunning display of colors that nature puts on. The Midwest region of the United States is known for its breathtaking fall foliage, with vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds painting the landscape. If you're looking to add some autumnal beauty to your garden, consider planting one of these eight native shrubs or trees that are perfect for the Midwest.

1. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

The sugar maple is a classic tree that's well-known for its brilliant orange and red foliage in the fall. This tree is native to the Midwest and can grow up to 100 feet tall in the right conditions. It's a slow-growing tree but well worth the wait for its dazzling fall colors.

Sugar Maple Fall Foliage

2. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

The red oak is another iconic Midwest tree that turns a stunning red color in the fall. This tree is easy to care for and can grow up to 80 feet tall. It's also important for wildlife as it produces acorns that serve as a food source for many animals.

Red Oak Fall Foliage

3. Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Sumac is a shrub that's known for its bright red leaves in the fall. It's a great choice for adding some color and texture to your garden, as it has unique branches that produce clusters of fuzzy red berries. Sumac is also a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions.

Sumac Fall Foliage

4. Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

The black gum tree, also known as the sour gum tree, is a lesser-known Midwest native that offers beautiful red and purple foliage in the fall. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and thrives in moist soil conditions. Additionally, the black gum tree produces small fruit that's enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

Black Gum Tree Fall Foliage

5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

The serviceberry is a small tree or large shrub that's native to the Midwest and produces beautiful red and orange fall foliage. In addition to its striking fall colors, it also blooms with delicate white flowers in the spring and produces edible berries in the summer.

Serviceberry Fall Foliage

6. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

The witch hazel is a small tree or large shrub that offers unique yellow and orange foliage in the fall. It's also noteworthy for its fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in the late fall and winter, bringing some cheer to the dreary season.

Witch Hazel Fall Foliage

7. Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Viburnum is a shrub that's native to the Midwest and offers beautiful red and purple fall foliage. It also produces clusters of small berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. This versatile plant can be grown as a hedge or used as a specimen plant in your garden.

Viburnum Fall Foliage

8. Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

Blueberries are a favorite fruit for many people, but did you know they also offer beautiful fall colors? Their leaves turn shades of red and purple before falling off in the autumn. Blueberries are also easy to care for and can be grown in containers or in the ground.

Blueberry Bush Fall Foliage

Spruce up your garden this fall with these eight native Midwest shrubs and trees: Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Sumac, Black Gum, Serviceberry, Witch Hazel, Viburnum, and Blueberry.