a different palette of reds

virginia creeper, sometimes called woodbine, dominates the understory of my two acres of woods. this year the vines, like the sumac, are skipping the yellow phase and heading directly  into reds. but unlike the fiery sumacs, these leaves are a softer palette of pale and saturated reds–probably because of the shady overstory. it’s makes a beautiful carpet, don’t you think?  quite magical especially when dappled with sunlight.

fall leaves of a virginia creeper vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)