The carotenoids (pigments in the photosynthesizing cells), which are responsible for the fall colors, are present in the leaves during the growing season. However, the colors are eclipsed by the green chlorophyll. Toward the end of summer, when the chlorophyll production ceases due to declining daylight and a decrease in temperature, the other colors of the carotenoids (such as yellow, orange, red, or purple) become visible. Listed below are the autumn leaf colors of some common trees.
| Tree |
Color |
| Sugar maple, sumac |
Flame red and orange |
| Red maple, dogwood, sassafras, scarlet oak |
Dark red |
| Poplar, birch, tulip tree, willow |
Yellow |
| Ash |
Plum purple |
| Oak, beech, larch, elm, hickory, sycamore |
Tan or brown |
| Locust |
Stays green until leaves drop |
| Black walnut, butternut |
Drops leaves before they turn color |
