Everything changed overnight. One day I was fighting torpedo grass, green kyllinga, and Virginia buttonweed, and the next day the entire world looked different. Every leaf on every tree, shrub, and bush was stellar with chlorophyll and seemingly within a few hours the green pigment had been run out of town. It wasn’t subtle at all. I took notice of each plant species and how they differed so quickly was remarkable.
I never realized how many muscadine vines there are hanging from the limbs in our woods. All summer they are masked, blending in with the mass of green foliage that towers over our forest floor. I must admit, I have been watching for the change and typically I gradually notice it, but not this time. The serpentine vines exploded into strings of yellow as the once dominant chlorophyll was replaced. I even stopped the truck in a few places to search for the succulent grapes the species produces. There were a few on the ground, and even fewer on the vines I inspected but nothing like I have seen in the past. In my youth seemingly every vine you found was heavy-laden with fruit during late summer and early fall. Something has definitely changed over the seasons because production is nothing like it used to be. I wonder if it happens to be my timing or if some late freeze or other phenomenon is disrupting fruit set during spring? I know of orchards that produce a hefty bounty of muscadines each summer so perhaps something is missing in the wild that is the cause. Maybe competition from the other species around the vines inhibits production. I thought about fertilizing some wild vines, but it seems I never get around to doing it when the vines need it. Regardless, they are vivid right now in color and you should take notice as you drive up and down our roads.
The next species that “jumped” out at me was poison ivy. Just like the muscadine, this toxic to some vine, erupted into a red so vibrant that it is impossible to miss. The deep crimson color is beautiful right now. As with the muscadines, I never noticed how many of these plants there are clinging to the trunks of trees in the woods. It seems like every tree has its own vine it is supporting. Also known as “leaves of three” it can be found throughout much of North America. It is probably best known for the rash it can cause when any part of the plant is contacted by a person. The chemical urushiol is produced by this plant and depending upon one’s sensitivity, some reactions can be severe. When I was a kid, I could play in it all day and never had a reaction. However, in my later years, I have had a very slight case of it from time to time when I trim limbs and reach around deer stands making sure fastening straps are tight. I hope I’m not developing a susceptibility to this plant because I plan on working around it in the woods for a long time. It is spectacular right now. Take notice of it as you stroll through the woods or drive by it in your car. Look, but don’t touch, just in case.
It seems like it’s a competition to see which plants are “showier” right now. Dogwood is just as spectacular as any other species in the color race, and it made a jump last week. Depending upon the species, a palette of red, crimson, purple, and orange can be witnessed easily during your travels. In fact, some leaves have a mixture within the veins of several colors. They are indeed stunning! In addition to the colorful leaves, many trees have abundant clusters of berries that are a glossy red or perhaps scarlet on the tips of the branches. This species was one of my mom’s all-time favorites, especially during spring when the flowers on the tree bloomed white as snow. Easter and the dogwood bloom are synonymous, and did I forget to mention this spectacular bloom also coincides with turkey season? Don’t dismiss its fall splendor though, for it is just as captivating and well worth taking note of. In fact, a few stems loaded with leaves and placed upon your table adds to the season at hand and makes for beautiful Halloween décor.
Goldenrod is another species making its statement upon the landscape. Belonging to the genus Solidago, this perennial is in full bloom in masses of bright yellow flowers. The fields are so thick with them that you can even smell the “sweetness” they are emitting. The insects have also found them as millions of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators can be seen working the flowers. Goldenrod is a vital food source for these insects. I wonder if you could find goldenrod honey. I may have to ask the Garden Mama, Nellie Neal, if she knows of a source. The aroma from the rich fields of gold reminds me of the process of making sorghum molasses when the sorghum heads are crushed and cooked down and made into the wonderful elixir that is famous for pouring on homemade biscuits. I’m salivating just thinking of it. If any concoction produced from goldenrod is half as good as the beauty it offers, it would have to be good. You can count on me to do a little research.
There are hundreds of other “Fall” species spectacular in color right now. Whether from foliage or blooms, it really doesn’t matter. Get outside and hunt for them. Trust me, the explosion at hand won’t last long. I’m just glad we finally have some seasonal weather to go along with the season. It truly is my favorite time of year. I bet it is for many of you too. Enjoy it while we have it! Until next time, enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
