Ornamental Trees with Showy Bark: A Guide for Winter Interest
Introduction
When the leaves fall and the flowers fade, the bark of trees can take center stage, adding visual interest to your winter landscape. Ornamental trees with showy bark come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns, making them a great choice for adding character and beauty to your yard.
Choosing Trees with Showy Bark
When selecting ornamental trees for their bark, consider the following factors:
- Color: Bark can range from white to black, with shades of red, orange, green, and brown in between.
- Texture: Bark can be smooth, rough, flaky, or peeling, creating different visual effects.
- Pattern: Some trees have striated bark (with vertical lines), mottled bark (with patches of different colors), or sinewy bark (that looks like flexing muscles).
Different Types of Tree Bark
Here are some popular ornamental trees with showy bark:
- River Birch: Its papery bark peels away in sheets, revealing a striking contrast between the white inner bark and the darker outer bark.
- Chilean Myrtle: This small tree has smooth, red-brown bark that peels attractively as it ages.
- Coral Bark Maple: As its name suggests, this tree has strikingly red branches and stems that become even more vibrant in cold weather.
- Crape Myrtle: The bark of this tree peels away in thin layers, creating a smooth but beautifully mottled effect.
- Strawberry Tree: Despite its name, this tree doesn’t grow strawberries. Instead, it has gorgeous red bark that peels away in shreds, creating a highly textured, multicolor look.
- Red-twig Dogwood: This small tree has bright red branches that get even brighter in cold weather.
- Striped Maple: This mid-sized tree has green bark with long, white, vertical striations.
- Lacebark Pine: This tall, spreading tree has naturally flaking bark that creates a mottled pattern of green, pink, and gray pastels, especially on the trunk.
- Lacebark Elm: The trunk of this large shade tree is covered in mottled green, gray, orange, and brown peeling bark.
- Hornbeam: This beautiful shade tree with striking fall foliage has naturally sinewy bark that looks like flexing muscles.
Tips for Incorporating Trees with Showy Bark into Your Landscape
- Plant trees with contrasting bark colors to create a visually interesting effect. For example, plant a River Birch with its white bark next to a Coral Bark Maple with its red bark.
- Use trees with showy bark as focal points in your landscape. Plant them in a prominent location where they can be admired from afar.
- Group trees with different bark textures together to create a layered and dynamic look. For example, plant a Crape Myrtle with its smooth bark next to a Lacebark Pine with its flaky bark.
- Consider the size and shape of the trees when planting. Some trees, like the River Birch, can grow quite large, while others, like the Chilean Myrtle, are more compact. Choose trees that will fit well in the space you have available.
With their vibrant colors, unique textures, and eye-catching patterns, ornamental trees with showy bark can add beauty and interest to your winter landscape. By choosing the right trees and incorporating them into your design thoughtfully, you can create a stunning outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy all year round.