When autumn arrives one of the most captivating sights is trees exploding into a kaleidoscope of fall colors. While bright red and golden yellow trees get a lot of attention, there are some species that turn striking shades of purple, adding an unexpected twist to the autumn landscape. These purple trees provide unique beauty and interest to outdoor spaces when their leaves transition to rich wines, plums and deep burgundies.
When leaves fall off in the fall, they release anthocyanin pigments that make the leaves turn purple. As photosynthesis stops, the pigments protect the leaves by blocking out UV rays. This anthocyanin buildup results in the brilliant reddish-purple hues.
If you want to surprise your neighbors with some purple beauty in the fall, here are some of the best trees that take on that color:
Sweetgum
The star-shaped leaves of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) emerge a lustrous green in spring before transitioning to breathtaking shades of purple, red and orange in fall. This large shade tree can grow 60-75 feet tall and thrives in zones 5-9. Sweetgum is known for its exceptional fall color that lasts longer than many other trees.
Smoke Tree
The smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is beautiful all year round, with its purple-red leaves and puffy flower plumes that look like smoke. In fall, the rounded leaves flare crimson and purple. This small tree is pretty and grows to be 10 to 15 feet tall. It does well in zones 4 through 8. Find cultivars like “Royal Purple” or “Velvet Cloak” for the deepest color.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) trees have pretty leaves that make shady areas look better. Some types of purple-leafed plants, like “Bloodgood,” “Red Dragon,” and “Crimson Prince,” get even more colorful in the fall, with shades of red and burgundy. These small, pretty trees grow to be 15 to 25 feet tall and do well in zones 5 through 9.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
A standout for its bold leaf shape and reliability, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) becomes a fall focal point when its big leaves morph from green to rich purple and bronze. This easy-care shrub grows 4-6 feet tall and spreads 5-7 feet wide in zones 5-9. ‘Ruby Slippers’ and ‘Munchkin’ are two compact oakleaf hydrangea cultivars that pack a color punch.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a fast-growing vine that produces cascades of purple foliage in autumn. This versatile vine adheres itself to structures with holdfasts as it climbs up to 50 feet. With its five-pointed leaves turning burgundy after frost, Virginia creeper makes a big impact on fences and arbors in zones 3-9.
Cherry Plum
Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) provides multi-season drama with its purple spring growth, clouds of early pinkish-white flowers and purple-red fall color. This small ornamental tree is known for its hardiness and adaptability, growing 15-20 feet tall in zones 4-8. ‘Thundercloud’ is a popular cherry plum cultivar valued for its deep purple leaves.
Black Gum
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) displays a stunning show of deep purple leaves transitioning to bright red and orange shades in autumn. This native tree grows slowly to 40-60 feet tall in zones 3-9. Female trees produce fruits relished by birds and other wildlife. ‘Wildfire’ and ‘Red Rage’ are two black gum cultivars noted for fantastic fall color.
Redbud
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) heralds spring with a profusion of pink blooms on leafless branches. Heart-shaped green leaves emerge after flowering and turn yellow mixed with purple in fall. These small, multi-trunked understory trees grow 20-30 feet tall in zones 4-9. The cultivar ‘Forest Pansy’ is prized for reddish-purple foliage that intensifies in autumn.
Ninebark
Native to eastern North America, ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a rugged, low-maintenance shrub. Most ninebark cultivars like ‘Center Glow’ and ‘Little Devil’ produce purple foliage and brighten up considerably in autumn with shades of reddish-purple. These easy shrubs reach 3-8 feet tall and wide in zones 2-7.
Purple Smoke Bush
As a cousin to the smoke tree, the purple smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’) shares the same billowing flower panicles and rich purple leaves. In fall, the large rounded leaves glow crimson and scarlet. This medium-sized bushy shrub grows to 10 feet tall and wide in zones 4-8.
Copper Beech
Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) lives up to its name with stunning copper-purple foliage that intensifies in autumn. This classic large shade tree grows 50-60 feet tall and can spread 40-50 feet wide in zones 4-7. Copper beech needs ample space to reach its full potential in the landscape.
Black Elderberry
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) displays showy, lacy clusters of tiny white flowers in early summer, followed by deep purple-black berries in fall relished by birds. Before dropping in autumn, the compound leaves turn lovely shades of yellow and purple. This large multi-stemmed shrub thrives in zones 4-8.
Blireiana Plum
Blireiana plum (Prunus x blireiana) captivates with its purple spring foliage and abundant pink blossoms. In fall, the small oval leaves transition to striking hues of orange, red and purple. This ornamental tree grows 15-25 feet tall and almost as wide, preferring zones 4-8.
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry
Purple leaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena) brings year-round color to landscapes with its purple-red leaves that turn more bronze and crimson in fall. Showy pinkish-white flowers in spring give way to deep purple fruits. This hardy, suckering shrub grows 3-6 feet tall and wide in zones 2-8.
By incorporating one or more of these remarkable trees into your landscape, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of purple majesty when autumn arrives. Their rich plum and wine-colored leaves will set your outdoor space ablaze with fall spectacle. With their unique colors, these purple trees are sure to draw the eye and spark conversation when temperatures turn cool.
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