Tulip Poplar

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Here in the central Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tulip Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, is among the first of the trees to begin to change colors in autumn. The apple green leaves take turns, one by one, turning to bright yellow with brown spots. Giving the trees a dotted appearance. Not an impressive start, not a hillside of color –  yet.

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In early October the Tulip Poplar takes on a golden yellow glow.

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A golden yellow to celebrate. A lovely color worthy of a tiny parade! But start that parade without fail.

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That smashing color, the color we cherish autumn for, is quick to come and go.

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And  – POOF! The trees are bare.

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And before we know it not only are nearly all the trees are bare, but snow will be falling.

 

 

Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

2 thoughts on “Tulip Poplar”

  2. I don’t remember if I appreciated the changing of the colors when I lived in Maryland. That’s sad. I’ve been gone since 1972…living in the south. I know I have a fondness for the brisk cool air Fall has to offer. Was up in Tennessee couple of weeks ago and there was no show yet of the changing of the colors. Your photos are lovely.

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