The Tough Get Going

Peak autumn color has now dropped below 1,500′ in elevation. As a rule of thumb, that means there’s another two to three weeks of peak color to be enjoyed.

California’s lowest elevations, are absent of big, bold forests full or aspen, bigleaf maple, or dogwood.

Instead, finding fall color is tougher going. The state’s best color spotters find it by searching river and stream banks, orchards, vineyards, urban forests and arboretums.

Two of the best arboretums to see gorgeous fall color through the end of the month are the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

What is special about arboretums is that a variety of exotic and native trees can be seen together, at peak. And, because they are all identified, you know what peaks when.

As seen in Frank McDonough’s photographs from the LA County Arboretum, redbud are nearly past peak (just as they are at 800′ in the Sierra Foothills), though other species, like the American elm shown here, still have a way to go.

There’s little question that, in November, the going get’s tough for color spotters. Though, the best of them keep going outdoors to find it in the most amazing places.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (482′) – Patchy (10-50%)