15 Popular Trees That Turn Brilliant Colors by the End of August

Summer's vibrant greens transform into a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows as autumn approaches. For eager leaf-peepers, the show begins earlier than you might expect, with many trees starting their color transformation by late August. These early-turning varieties preview fall's splendor while most of the landscape still clings to summer.

Knowing which trees lead the autumn parade is key to enjoying this transitional beauty. Some species are programmed to change colors weeks before others, regardless of temperature fluctuations or rainfall patterns. When correctly identified, these natural early birds create stunning focal points in parks, neighborhoods, and wild areas.

1. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

Black Tupelo trees, also known as Black Gum or Sour Gum, are among the first to transform each year. Their glossy green leaves shift to vibrant scarlet, orange, and purple tones by late August, often when neighboring trees remain completely green. This dramatic color contrast makes them stand out as specimens in any landscape.

Native to eastern North America, Black Tupelos thrive in wet and dry conditions once established. They grow to 30-50 feet tall with distinctive horizontal branches and a pyramidal shape that becomes more irregular with age. Their early color change is remarkably consistent year after year, making them reliable harbingers of autumn.

2. Sumac (Rhus species)

Sumac species begin their fiery transformation in August, weeks ahead of most trees. The compound leaves of these small trees or large shrubs turn brilliant crimson-red, creating dramatic splashes of color along roadsides and natural areas. Their early color change makes them valuable landscape additions for those seeking extended fall interest.

Several varieties, including Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) and Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), display this early color show. Their distinctive upright red fruit clusters persist through winter, adding visual interest long after leaves have fallen. These native plants require minimal maintenance and attract wildlife with their berries.

3. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maples live up to their name by displaying early crimson foliage in late August. These common native trees show considerable variation, with some individuals turning vibrant red while others lean toward orange or yellow hues. This diversity creates a patchwork effect across the landscape as summer transitions to fall.

Growing throughout eastern North America, Red Maples adapt to various soil conditions and reach heights of 40-60 feet. Their shallow root systems are ideal for yards with underground utilities or other root restrictions. The species earned its "red" designation not just from fall color but also from its red flowers, seeds, and twigs.

4. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum trees begin their color transformation in August with star-shaped leaves turning purple, red, orange, and yellow—often all on the same tree. This multi-colored display creates a stunning visual effect as if the tree were decorated with different ornaments. The color intensity increases through September, offering an extended autumn show.

Native to the southeastern United States, Sweetgums grow 60-75 feet tall with straight trunks and pyramidal shapes. They're easily identified by their distinctive spiky seed balls that persist through winter. However, their exceptional fall color comes at a price. Sweetgums are notoriously tricky to remove once established due to their extensive root systems.

5. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Sourwood trees begin their fall display in August, with leaves turning deep crimson-red while still bearing their distinctive drooping white flower clusters. This dual ornamental feature, flowers against colored leaves, creates a unique visual spectacle that other species can't match. The rich red intensifies through September, making sourwoods dramatic focal points.

Native to southeastern woodlands, sourwoods reach 25-30 feet tall and thrive in acidic, well-drained soils. They're relatively slow-growing but worth the wait for their multi-season appeal. Their common name derives from the sour taste of their leaves, which were historically used to make tea and treat various ailments.

6. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

While technically a vine rather than a tree, Virginia Creeper deserves mention for its dramatic early color transformation. This five-leaved climber turns brilliant crimson-red in August, often creating the illusion that the trees it's growing on are changing color. The effect is particularly striking against evergreens or buildings.

This native vine grows rapidly, climbing trees, walls, and fences up to 50 feet high using adhesive discs. Its aggressive nature requires monitoring in garden settings, but its early fall color makes it worthwhile. The blue-black berries appear in clusters during color change, providing food for birds while adding visual contrast.

7. Freeman Maple (Acer × freemanii)

Freeman Maples, hybrids between Red and Silver Maples, inherit early fall color from their Red Maple parentage. Their large, deeply lobed leaves begin transforming to orange-red by late August, creating impressive specimen trees in landscapes. The color intensity varies between cultivars, with 'Autumn Blaze' and 'Firefall' among the most vibrant.

These fast-growing hybrids reach 40-55 feet tall and have oval to rounded crowns. They combine the best traits of both parent species, fast growth from Silver Maple and fall color from Red Maple, while exhibiting better structure than either parent. Their adaptability to various soil conditions makes them popular street and yard trees.

8. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras trees begin their fall transformation in August with leaves turning vibrant orange, scarlet, purple, and yellow. Their unique mitten-shaped foliage creates an especially distinctive autumn display. Individual trees often show multiple colors simultaneously, creating a kaleidoscope effect in the late summer landscape.

Native to eastern woodlands, sassafras trees grow 30-60 feet tall with irregular, picturesque branching patterns. All parts of the tree are aromatic, with roots historically used for sassafras tea and file powder in Cajun cooking. Their shallow roots produce numerous suckers, allowing them to form small colonies when left undisturbed.

9. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

Pin Oaks start their color shift in late August, earlier than most oak species. Their deeply lobed leaves transform from glossy green to russet-red and bronze tones that persist well into winter. This extended display provides landscape interest during the transitional months between seasons.

These fast-growing oaks reach 60-70 feet tall with a distinctive pyramidal shape and downward-angling lower branches. Their strong central leader and uniform growth make them popular street trees. The name "pin" refers to the small, pin-like branchlets that develop along the main branches, creating a dense, fine-textured appearance.

10. Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

Amur Maples begin their color transition in August, weeks before most landscape trees show any change. Their small, three-lobed leaves transform to brilliant scarlet-red, creating striking specimen shrubs or small trees. The early color change previews autumn while surrounding plants remain summer-green.

These compact maples grow 15-20 feet tall with multiple stems and rounded forms. Their small size makes them suitable for urban yards and gardens with limited space. Native to northeastern Asia, they've become popular landscape plants throughout North America for their adaptability and outstanding fall color.

11. Dogwood (Cornus species)

Dogwood trees start their color transformation by late August, with leaves turning deep burgundy-red and purple. This rich coloration complements their clusters of red berries, creating multi-dimensional visual interest. Several species display this early color change, including Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa).

These understory trees grow 15-25 feet tall with horizontal branching patterns that create distinctive tiered appearances. They prefer partial shade and rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Dogwoods offer year-round appeal with spring flowers, summer berries, early fall color, and attractive winter bark patterns.

12. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Japanese Maples begin their color transformation in August, especially when planted in full sun locations. Their delicate, deeply lobed leaves turn vibrant shades of crimson, orange, and purple, creating living sculptures in the landscape. Different cultivars change at slightly different times, allowing for an extended color display when planting multiple varieties.

These small ornamental trees grow 15-25 feet tall with graceful, spreading forms. They prefer partial shade and protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates. Hundreds of cultivars offer various leaf shapes, sizes, and fall color intensities for nearly any landscape application.

13. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American Hornbeam, also called Musclewood or Blue Beech, begins its color transformation in late August. The serrated, oval leaves turn brilliant orange, red, and yellow, often with all colors present simultaneously on the same tree. This multi-colored display creates a painterly effect in woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

Native to eastern forests, these understory trees grow 20-30 feet tall with distinctive smooth, gray bark that resembles flexed muscles. They prefer moist, acidic soils and partial shade conditions similar to their natural habitat. Their slow growth rate and naturally interesting form make them low-maintenance landscape specimens.

14. River Birch (Betula nigra)

River Birch trees begin their fall transition in August, with small, diamond-shaped leaves turning buttery yellow. This early color change is subtle compared to more dramatic species but provides a soft golden glow in the late summer landscape. The effect is particularly striking against their distinctive exfoliating bark.

These fast-growing native trees reach 40-70 feet tall with multiple trunks and broadly pyramidal forms. Their peeling cinnamon-colored bark creates year-round interest even after leaves drop. Unlike many birches, they resist bronze birch borer and adapt well to hot, humid conditions, making them versatile landscape trees.

15. Serviceberry (Amelanchier species)

Serviceberry trees, also called Juneberry or Shadblow, begin their color transformation in August with oval leaves turning orange-red to yellow. This early color shift follows their summer berry production, creating sequential seasons of interest. Several species, including Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) and Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), display this pattern.

These small, multi-stemmed trees grow 15-25 feet tall with informal, naturalistic shapes. They thrive in various light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Serviceberries offer four-season appeal with spring flowers, summer berries, early fall color, and smooth gray bark that creates winter interest.

Capturing Nature's Early Color Show

The trees that transform at the earliest offer special opportunities for extended fall enjoyment. Their predictable color patterns allow gardeners to create landscapes with continuous interest from late summer through autumn. By incorporating several early-turning species alongside mid-season and late-season performers, you can orchestrate a symphony of color lasting several months.

Climate conditions affect exact timing, with drought sometimes triggering earlier color changes and mild temperatures occasionally delaying transformation. But these fifteen species consistently rank among the first to display autumn's splendor. Their reliable performance makes them valuable additions to any landscape where fall color is desired.

Find natural ways to beat the heat with 25 Shade Trees and Flowering Trees That Keep Yards Cool and Beautiful.