Eight Native Shrubs and Trees with Stunning Midwestern Fall Colors

Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in the Midwest. The changing colors of the leaves on trees and shrubs create a breathtaking sight. One way to enhance your fall landscape is by planting native plants that have stunning fall foliage. Here are eight native shrubs and trees that will add vibrant color to your garden this season.

1. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar maple tree with golden yellow and orange leaves in the fall

The sugar maple is perhaps one of the most iconic Midwestern trees with its brilliant oranges and yellows set against a backdrop of deep reds and browns. The leaves of the sugar maple turn a brilliant yellow-orange in the fall, making it a favorite among gardeners.

2. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Red oak tree with deep red and bronze leaves in the fall

The red oak tree, also known as the northern red oak, is a popular choice for a fall display due to its deep red and bronze leaves that persist throughout the season. Its leaves are large, lobed, and arranged alternately on the stem.

3. American Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Yellow and orange leaves of American witch-hazel shrub in the fall

The American witch-hazel is a small shrub with fragrant yellow flowers in the fall. Its leaves change from bright green to yellow and orange in the fall, creating a striking contrast against its bare branches.

4. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

Black tupelo tree with bright red and yellow leaves in the fall

The black tupelo, also known as the black gum, is a small tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. Its leaves turn a brilliant shade of red and yellow in the fall, making it a popular choice for fall landscaping.

5. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush shrub with yellow leaves in the fall

The spicebush is a deciduous shrub that is native to the eastern United States. Its leaves turn a bright yellow in the fall, and its fruit attracts a variety of birds to your garden.

6. Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)

Highbush cranberry shrub with red leaves in the fall

The highbush cranberry is a native shrub that has clusters of small white flowers in the spring and bright red leaves in the fall. Its bright red berries provide food for birds throughout the winter.

7. Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

Smooth sumac plant with red leaves in the fall

The smooth sumac is a native shrub that produces bright red leaves in the fall. It grows in large colonies and can be used for erosion control and wildlife habitat.

8. Prairie Fire Crabapple (Malus 'Prairie Fire')

Prairie fire crabapple tree with orange and red leaves in the fall

The prairie fire crabapple is a small tree that has stunning orange-red foliage in the fall. It produces edible fruit that is a favorite among birds and other wildlife.

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