Colouring the Fall
Why Europe isn't so spectacular as Asia or North America, and how that might change
As the light fades in the temperate northern hemisphere the trees are drawing in their chlorophyll, the green pigment at the heart of photosynthesis, and revealing their autumnal hues. Whilst trees here in Europe do put on a show, they tend to be out-blazed by trees in Asia and North America, with more red hues especially. Google New England fall colour, or likewise Hokkaido to get the picture. And by the way, ‘fall’ - many Americanisations leave me cold, yet not this one.
The specifics of local climate (cue photo-protective red pigments) may well have had some bearing on this discrepancy, though I suspect much is to do with the ice ages. Over vast spans of time, these waves of ice and frigidity acted to greatly impoverish the diversity of trees - indeed, of all plants - in Europe; unlike in Asia and North America, the alignment of mountain ranges impeded migration away from the cold, as well as back during warmer phases.
Hence, many colourful trees no longer have representatives here, outside of gardens and arboreta. For example, Asia and North America both have species of butter yellow Liriodendron, and likewise multi-coloured Liquidambar (my favourite fall tree), whilst Europe mourns (perhaps). Many more species of colourful Acer (maple) are also to be found across Asia and North America than here in Europe. Below are some images that hopefully bring this to life.
Yet this situation could and likely will change. Here in Britain our national forestry sector has been actively researching those timber trees that will be resilient to a warming climate. Many of these candidates have great autumnal colour, like Liriodendron and Carya (hickory). At the same time, and perhaps more significantly, our local flora is being enriched by garden escapes. Or re-diversified, as ecologist and evolutionary biologist Chris Thomas has put it, in his 2017 book Inheritors of the Earth.
I recall seeing, a few years ago, a thicket of wild Chinese Cotoneaster franchetii around an abandoned quarry in Hampshire, its striking orange fall foliage lighting up an otherwise drab day. Europe has few representatives of this genus as ‘natives’ and I suspect there are niches waiting to be filled by this pioneering plant-form, especially given its popularity with pollinators and frugivores. Naturalising Quercus rubra (American red oak) is another colourful addition to our British autumnal palette.
Perhaps you can think of further examples? And does this enrichment scenario worry you, or excite you?
“Realise you don’t fear change, you fear loss - keep focusing on what you’re finding, not on what you’re losing.” Astrologer Lorna Bevan