The fall colors of large woodland trees seemed a bit more muted and more sporadic compared with previous years, likely due to the drought. For example, in some woodlands, shagbark hickory leaves quickly crumpled and turned brown instead of taking on their soft yellow hues.

But that does not mean there’s no fall color to enjoy this year. Native shrubs and understory trees are equally, but perhaps more subtly lovely in autumn.

Walking through Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods recently, we happened upon a stand of native maple leaf viburnum in full autumn glory. These 5-foot-tall shrubs added pinkish and reddish glows to the woodland understory. Horticulturist Michael Dirr, author of “Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs,” describes the colors better than I. He calls the hues “shades of fluorescent pin

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