Fall's color show a bit late but still vibrant

Better late than never.

Many people love fall for the vibrant colors it brings about in nature.

But this year, the season has been moving at a snail's pace. In this area, plants generally change color starting in mid-September through early November.

"But what happened this year is that we were very dry and warm in the early fall," said Ed Hedborn, a botanist at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. "We had those unusual 80-degree days and 70-degree evenings. Those are not the conditions that trigger the color change in plants."

Plants require certain elements to shed their green summer outfits. The botanical world won't change into its vibrant fall fashions of orange and red until certain elements are met. The change requires bright and sunny days but cool nights. Finally, it needs a little rain.

"But we haven't had the cooler temperatures until recently," Hedborn said. "Now they've gotten the signals and they're starting to change. But they still don't have adequate moisture yet."

Sumac trees are generally the first to change color. The last ones to change is the Bradford pear and maple trees. That generally happens in the second or third weekend in October. This year, it's a little late.

But that's not to say all plants are running late. Visit the Morton Arboretum and see its many plant species, especially near its Sterling Pond, that have already started sporting fall fashions.

"Now is a very good time to visit," Hedborn said. "It's all looking real good."

For more information, visit the arboretum at www.mortonarb.org or call (630) 968-0074.