With last Saturday signaling the official start of autumn, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources released the first fall color report of the year this week.

In southeast Iowa, walnut, elm, and cottonwood are showing yellow as some are already losing their leaves. Poison ivy, sumac, and Virginia creeper are turning bright red, while scattered white ash are showing some purple. Reds, yellows and oranges are starting to be seen in urban maples.

Color change began early in northeast Iowa, most likely due to drought. Lots of vibrant colors can be seen from sugar maple, sumac, Virginia creeper, ash, walnut, basswood, and cottonwood. In central Iowa, roadside sumacs are bright red and crimson. Walnut, cottonwood, and hackberry are becoming yellow.

Estimated peak viewing times begin at the end of next week in northeast Iowa, October 8-14 in central Iowa, and October 20 in southeast Iowa. For a complete fall color report for the State, click here.