Sumacs are the first to change colour, turning deep red, starting as early as the middle of September.

Their colour is rather short-lived, because their big compound leaves drop quickly, leaving behind bare stems, often decorated with a spent flower cluster at the end of each stem.

If growing in the shade, sumac’s colour is more varied, revealing yellows, oranges and bright reds.

Sugar maples are the undisputed champions of fall colour. The national tree of Canada, sugar maples are dotted throughout south and central Ontario and are the dominant tree species in hardwood forests through much of northeastern Canada and U.S.

© Sarnia Observer