Florida's Nature Coast Lifestyle

Florida’s Fall Foliage – (Yes, We Have Some)

Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus County.

I’ve only lived in Citrus County for 4 1/2 years. I am originally from Buffalo, New York. In addition to myself, many of the other residents here have made their way down from up north. I feel your pain when it comes to the lack of vibrant fall foliage here in Florida. However, although subtler, Florida does offer some fall coloration if you know where to look.

As a Certified Arborist and Forester, I have compiled a list on some research of Florida’s Fall Foliage. I’m going to tell you where to catch a glimpse of what we’ve become accustomed to in the northern states. I cannot claim to be familiar with many of the areas. However, I can vouch for the trees!

Red Maple

Red Maple Tree in Citrus County FloridaFirst, this is probably the most vivid tree in Florida and turns a bright red in late October/November. Remember, our fall is much warmer than in northern climates and the trees often do not change color until late fall. Red maples are most common near wet areas along pond edges. Large groups of them that grow together are quite vivid when they turn color. Red maples are indigenous to all 67 Florida counties. We are fortunate to have thickets of them scattered throughout Citrus, Sumter, and Marion Counties.

Sweetgum and Pignut Hickory

Next, Sweetgum is another common hardwood in our area. It turns a bright yellow and often stands out against its green neighbors. It is a common component of our hardwood forests but can often be found as individuals within pine and oak forests. Also, Pignut hickory is found on drier hardwood sites, often mixed with oaks. This tree also turns a bright yellow.

Beautyberry

Florida's Fall Foliage includes the Beautyberry in Citrus County.The Beautyberry is a native shrub found in our forests throughout the area. They provide us with clusters of bright purple berries, which are great food for deer and birds.

Black-cherry

The Black-cherry tree is also a common component of our hardwood forests in this area.  Their foliage is a bright red and yellow in late Florida fall.

Virginia Creeper

The Virginia Creeper is found amongst Florida's Fall Foliage in Citrus County,Finally, the Virginia Creeper is a vine featuring five leafs. It is often found growing up tree trunks in our yards and forests.  The leaves turn a bright red and purple in late fall and provide a backdrop against the trunks and leaves of their “hosts.”

Where to Go

We are blessed with many natural areas which are open to the public. These include the Withlacoochee State Forest, Ft. Cooper State Park, Goethe State Forest, Rainbow Springs State Park, the Cross Florida Greenway, Half Moon WMA (Wildlife Management Area), Ocala National Forest, Suwannee River State Park, Fanning Springs State Park, Potts Preserve, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Flying Eagle Preserve, and Crystal River State Park.  And this list is not inclusive.

Fall Colors in Citrus County

Perhaps the best places to see red maples locally are Potts Preserve at the end of Turner Camp Road north of Inverness. Additionally, a the Flying Eagle Preserve at the end of Eden Parkway east of Inverness. Both of these properties are along either the Withlacoochee River (Potts) or Lake Tsala-Apopka (Flying Eagle) where lower wetland-type hardwoods are dominant. However, other fall colored hardwoods should also be present to include sweetgum and sugarberry (not mentioned above).

The Richloam Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Sumter County along CR 471 and the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest along Hwy. 50 east of Brooksville also offer a variety of hardwood forests and wetlands. And, of course, the Withlacoochee State Trail is a great way to enjoy some fall foliage from a bicycle or on foot. The new Dunnellon Trail north of CR 39 (off US 41 just south of Dunnellon) winds its way through hardwood forests and over the Withlacoochee River.

Other Areas to Find Florida’s Fall Foliage

Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest – offers a clear pool of water surrounded by red maple and sweetgum trees.

Torreya State Park in the Panhandle west of Tallahassee – 150 foot high bluffs over the Apalachicola River where hardwood forests are full of sugar maple, sweetgum, and sourwood trees.  The latter is a less common hardwood tree (at least in our area) and offers red and yellow fall foliage.

Live oak trees in FloridaOrmond Scenic Loop and Trail – This 30 mile trail starts north of Daytona Beach and stretches along the beach and the Halifax River.  Color is provided by red maple and pignut hickory trees scattered amongst canopies of live oaks.  The loop goes through four state parks and the river lagoon is home to manatees and dolphins.  Only in Florida could you enjoy such a combination of color and wildlife!

While Florida’s fall foliage is no match for New England or the mountains of North Carolina, our unique ecosystems and wildlife provide a different experience for the “leaf-peepers” who choose to enjoy our local natural areas.

Written by: Eric H. Hoyer

Eric is a Certified Arborist, a Certified Forester, a Registered Consulting Arborist,  and a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor with Natural Resource Planning Services, Inc.  He can be contacted at erich@nrpsforesters.com

There is something for everyone when you are at your leisure in Citrus County Florida. So if you are looking for an idyllic setting to call home, contact one of our friendly professionals at Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus. Speak with a professional today (352) 382-2700.

When you’re ready to build, contact the trusted professionals of Edward Russell Johnston Inc. Over 42 years of experience building beautiful homes in Sugarmill Woods and across the Nature Coast. Call (352) 795-2200.

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