Virginia Creeper in Willow Tree, Fall Colors

In Albums: nature wetlands

A willow tree in wetlands, with yellowing leaves, and a cascade of intense red-colored vines in it

Oct 10th, 2011, by Alex Zorach

This photo shows a willow tree in wetlands in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge near Philadelphia, with a Virginia creeper vine in it. The willow shows a mix of yellow and green leaves, but the Virginia creeper shows a striking intense red color. Virginia creeper often turns an intense red color at this time of year, the coloration being a signal to birds that the fruit (which is poisonous to humans) is ripe.