November Leaves

Santa Cruz Mountains

Not all November days are bleak. Sometimes bright sunshine plays on the leaves, making multicolored patterns upon patterns upon patterns.

Westward facing trees get strong afternoon sun. Trees with dense structures change color branch by branch from green to yellow to red. 

The aspen grove in town is always a delight. Its fluttering green leaves turn yellow and cling to the branches, still fluttering, throughout November.

The largest oak in the neighborhood sports a variety of hues, and still provides plenty of shade throughout the month. I don’t envy the owner’s raking duties.

I don’t know the name of this festive tree, but I want one. Trained as a shrub in a local parking lot, its bright berries and many-colored leaves remind me of Dr. Seuss.

Meanwhile, in my back yard, a storm blows in and clouds race across the sky above the plum tree and redwoods. Note the orange deciduous Chinese redwood on right.

Close-up of the unknown “berry tree” shows assorted bright hues and shades as leaves age and eventually fall.

Couldn’t resist just one more shot of the lovely gradation of color from yellow-green to golden to orange to burgundy.

This neighborhood Japanese maple receives almost no direct sunlight. Its bright red leaves linger to inspire indescribable joy, till one by one they fade to brown.