Beautiful Bark: Beyond Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage
As the last stubborn leaves fall to the ground, those of us who live in the temperate part of the country find that our gardens have undergone yet another transformation. Many of the perennials have disappeared altogether; the steadfast evergreens take on their winter color; and the deciduous shrubs and trees have shed their leaves. Though often hidden during the growing season, a tree’s beautiful bark finally comes to center stage in the winter. To keep your garden as attractive in the “down season” as in the growing season, try incorporating a tree with unique bark patterns into your planting scheme. Place an attractive specimen near a path so you can appreciate the grain up close, or create a striking focal point in an underused area of your yard. Both ideas can add a new dimension of interest to your winter-worn garden.
The exfoliating bark of birch trees (Betula sp.), left, has long been a favorite of gardeners and landscapers. Perhaps the most striking species in the bunch is paper birch (Betula papyrifera, USDA Hardiness Zone 2), which has brilliant white bark. Native to the northern half of the United States, Canada, and Alaska, paper birch is a great addition to northern gardens, yet suffers and declines in the hot summers of the south. Yellow birch’s (Betula alleghaniensis), peeling amber-gold outer bark shown at right, and wintergreen-flavored inner bark is another good option for gardeners in more northerly climes.
West coast gardeners may find that madrone (Arbutus menziesii) fits the bill for “beautiful bark”. The bark exfoliates freely, leaving behind a beautiful mahogany-red surface. The tree endures drought and has interesting flowers and fruit. For those in the Southwest, both palo verde (Cercidium floridum) with its smooth, green bark and ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) with its gnarled canes will provide interest even during dormant seasons.
Species which have wide growing ranges also have immense variability between regions. When researching the possibilities, go one step further to ensure your new tree is as cold hardy or heat tolerant as you need it to be, and visit your local native plant nursery. Ask for plants that have been propagated from local sources. Local genetic material which is already more adapted to your region will be less stressed and, therefore, more disease resistant. Buying locally, you will also be helping to preserve and maintain the biodiversity of your local population—a bargain at twice the price! |
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Last Updated November 22, 2006 12:11 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/bark.html