Early Signs of Color Change

Chinese Pistache, El Dorado Hills (8/17/15) John Poimiroo

As is typical in August, certain specimens begin to exhibit color change, long before other trees of their species.  A previous post showed an example of a liquidamber in Los Angeles that by now, last and this summer, is already showing fall color. As seen in this photograph, some branches on exotic Chinese pistache found along El Dorado Hills Boulevard and in neighborhoods are now showing yellow leaves and rose-colored berries (they began exhibiting this color starting two weeks ago). These early signs are indicators of coming change, but not evidence of the early onset of autumn. They’re normal signs that appear annually.

0 – 10% – El Dorado Hills – Exotic Chinese pistache have begun coloring up, though peak color will not be seen until mid October.