Fall Colors and Persimmon Trees: Nature’s Weather Signals

While enjoying a nice October 3 day at Table Rock Lake I noticed a persimmon tree near the waters edge. October returns each year with a promise of colors and crisp air. We survived the hot summer days and are rewarded with new beginnings. The small persimmon trees surprise us along walks in nature. The persimmon tree seed for the year 2025-2026 warn of needing a shovels to clear the sidewalks and driveways.

1. Fork shape indicates a mild winter.
2. Spoon shape stands for a shovel to dig out the snow.
3. Knife shape means a cold icy winter (where wind will cut through you like a knife).”

Along the highways you see the start of fall colors.Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest trees to change. If on your fall walk you find a persimmon tree, take it home. Split the seed open to see what happen this coming winter.

“The seasons rotate as each brings

Its special beauty to this Earth of ours.

Winter’s snow and summer’s flowers;

Frozen rivers will flow come spring,

There is a renewal of everything.”

–Edna Frohock