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Fall foliage in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Gallery
Discover the (Hidden) Fall Colors and Changes in the San Francisco Bay Area
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Our trees may not change even a hue and our weather may not get much chillier, but you can find hints of more “traditional” autumn phenomena in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Be on the lookout for these autumn leaves and fall colors recommended by our Native Plant Nursery staff.
Like other deciduous trees, Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a native show-stopper when its leaves turn bright yellow. It is found along riparian areas. John Rusk
California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) look like Mother Nature hung ornaments on its bare branches. When the leaves drop, large brown seeds are the only thing left hanging. Debbie Ballentine
Creek Dogwood (Cornus sericea) can be found in riparian areas. The species makes its presence known as its leaves drop, showcasing bright red branches underneath. Matt Lavin
While best viewed from a distance, Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) offers reds, purples, oranges, and yellows in the fall. Viewer beware—the plant retains its itch-inducing oils even without its leaves. Paul Asman & Jill Lenoble
While many other species of oaks in California are deciduous (they lose their leaves), the Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is evergreen. Watch as acorns mature (usually from Sept. to Nov.) before dropping. Franco Folini
Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) reveals why it is named after the trickster canine in the fall. When the seed clusters of the plant open, they expose a crown of white hairs that resemble the fur of a coyote. These fine hairs are technically known as “pappus” and allow the attached “achene” (seed) to disperse by wind. Peggy A. Lopipero-Langmo
