Leaves of red and orange seem in short supply in this early November, but yellow is everywhere. And, not only the sickly yellow of drought stricken maples, but rich and glowing tones border the narrow highways on my daily drive. (Even with the recent time change my morning commute is in the dark, but I try to get home in the evening before dark.)

I do not discount the beauty of red leafed Japanese maples, faded for months by summer’s heat, but returning now to their richest glory. The Fernleaf maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium, below) is a favorite, now showing a preview of mottled red and yellow foliage that will peak in another week. While a few Japanese maples are already bare, others are even later in turning.

I recall foliage of witch hazels as being more red, and ‘Jelena’ is, but leaves of ‘Arnold Promise’ (below) are orange, or yellow, or some very nice shade in between. The red flowered ‘Diane’ is becoming too shaded, with leaves that are the sad yellow that results from shade, or drought, or whatever other stress. I presume there will be fewer winter flowers also.

The Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia, below) are late in turning this year, with only a few scattered branches changing so far. It won’t be long, I am certain. Often, the oakleafs turn early and stay late, long into December, and it seems that these will change soon.