Ornamental Bark

Bark of a paperbark River Birch tree (above) is a perfect example of a tree you might plant just for the exquisite texture of its bark. 

The leaves on most trees come and go depending on the season. Deciduous trees bear leaves that dazzle us with color and delight us with shapes. The flowers on some trees, horsechestnut and magnolia come readily to mind, provide us with their own delights -- but are short-lived. 

When you are choosing trees for your property, you might want to give thought to bark for ornamental purposes. Bark, after all, will be there 365 days a year. A dependable source of texture and color. Some barks have a 'solid' appearance, akin to a wallpaper in the landscape. Other tree barks add interest because of the patterns created when they peel. 

Trees with peeling barks include: crepe myrtle (some debate whether it is a tree or a shrub), Chinese quince, sycamore, eucalyptus, shagbark hickory, birches, aspens and Kousa dogwood. Within the category of trees with peeling barks are some of my very favorites -- the paperbarks. There are paperbark maples, river birch and Melaleuca(tea tree). I've had the pleasure of photographing several of these interesting barks (below). 

Pictured above from left: Paperbark Maple, Paperbark Melaleuca, Eucalyptus