Everyone welcomes the spectacular colors of fall. The leaves of our native hardwoods turn from shades of green to a variety of brown, gold, red, and yellow. There are great views along our Chesapeake Bay waterways and the Appalachian Mountains to enjoy the season's beauty.
The trees are not the only plants that produce color. here is a wide variety of native flowers and shrubs that are very appealing to the eyes (and insects) in the fall that should not be overlooked.
The American Beautyberry is very distinctive with it's clusters of purple berries. While the berries are not toxic, they are best eaten by birds and animals. Native Americans used them as medicine for various ailments.
The Strawberry Bush doesn't really produce strawberries. But, it does produce a fruit that burst open with 4 to 5 shiny red seeds. White-tailed Deer love eating this shrub and it must be protected.
Yellow Crownbeard is a common inhabitant of fields and pastures from Maryland to Texas. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and will bloom from August to October.
For a chance to see these and other lovely fall blooms, come and visit the Native Plant Arboretum at York River State Park. It is located to the left of our visitor's center and winds down hill to the canoe & kayak launch. Enjoy the view of Taskinas Creek flowing into the York from the gazebo at the top of the hill.
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.
Drive Time : Northern Virginia, two to three hours; Richmond, one hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, one hour; Fredericksburg, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.
Please be sure to check the website for updates as some trails were significantly damaged by Hurricane Irene. Click here for more info. TheNative Plant Arboretum is open and welcomes you any time!