I expect this weekend to be near peak along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. I’ll post pictures later this weekend. The weather is also expected to be gorgeous.

See also the Virginia is For Lovers‘ Fall in Virginia Foliage Reports and Forecast

These burning bushes were looking nice near Wilkins Lake along Winchester, Virginia’s Green Circle Trail…

Burning Bushes along the Winchester Green Circle Trail

Invasive Species: Burning Bush

Very popular for its bright red color in fall, the burning bush is an ornamental bush from Asia considered to be an invasive plant:

While it behaves well in urban areas, burning-bush planted near woodlands, mature second-growth forests, and pastures can be a problem. It has escaped from cultivation in the Northeast and Midwest, notably in Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Illinois…

EFFECTS OF INVASION: Winged euonymus is a threat to mature forests and successional fields and woodlands because it out-competes native species. It is adaptable to various environmental conditions although it generally does not do well in very dry areas. It grows well in a variety of soil types and pH levels, has no serious pest problems in North America, and most importantly of all, is tolerant of full shade. It has invaded moist forested sites creating dense thickets that can shade out native herbs and shrubs…

This colorful oak is along the Harris Hollow Trail in Shenandoah National Park.

My wife and I hiked the Harris Hollow Trail in Shenandoah National Park on Friday.  The bright fall color of this maple tree stood out along the trail.