How to Identify 5 NYC Common Fall Leaves

Across the five boroughs, New Yorkers are enjoying beautiful fall displays from our native trees. But what causes these colors to come about? A variety of factors trigger various pigments to be unmasked in different tree species. Below, we break down how to easily identify a leaf by its shape and pigments during the autumn season.

1. Tulip Tree Leaf 

Liriodendron tulipifera

Leaf shape: This tree gets its name for being “tulip” shaped but many also say it looks like a cat face. 

Pigments: Xanthophyll (gives the leaf its vibrant yellow color)

ID tip: This time of year it holds its cluster of winged seeds like candelabra 

2. Sugar Maple 

Acer saccharum

Shape: Five lobed leaf 

Pigments: Carotene (orange), xanthophyll (yellow)

ID tip: You may recognize this leaf as the emblem in the Canadian flag

3. Red Maple 

Acer rubrum

Shape: Three lobed leaf

Pigments: Carotene (orange), xanthophyll (yellow)

ID tip: Flip side of the leaf is whitish in color

4. Black gum tree

Nyssa sylvatica 

Shape: Beaver tail shape 

Pigments: Carotene (orange), xanthophyll (yellow), Anthocyanin (reddish-blue)

ID tip: Can find it in wet areas like swamps

5. Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida

Shape: Oval shaped, prominent veins 

Pigments: Anthocyanin (reddish-blue)

ID tip: Holds its flower buds all winter, which are turban shaped 

We hope you enjoy fall foliage in NYC’s natural areas this year! Check out our blog post on tips for where to go. 

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