Stop and smell the flowers in the spring?
Yes, but I also say stop and look at the bark in the winter!

We got our first snow of the season last night and this morning, everything looks like it has been covered in marshmallow frosting. Other than basic natural shapes, not much else can be seen… except the trunks of trees. When was the last time you stopped to look at the bark of a tree? Some of them are quite beautiful on their own, and during the barren days of winter on the Northeast US they really stand out.
Here are my top 4 favorite "winter interest" trees, with beautiful trunks. See if you can find some when you are out and about today!
1. River Birch (Betula nigra)

One of the most identifiable bark comes from the River Birch. As the tree matures and the trunk expands, the bark peels off to make room for new growth. The trunk and branches develop multi-toned colored bark ranging from creamy white to cinnamon brown, peeling away in thin, papery layers. This textured, “exfoliating” bark adds visual appeal to the landscape, especially in the winter.
2. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The bark on cedar trees (also known as juniper or red cedar) is thin and peels off in narrow strips, revealing a reddish inner bark. As the tree ages, the bark may become grayer and thicker. Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen tree and the attractive bark is complemented by the blue-green overlapping, scale-like leaves and frosty blue berries. Young or old, this tree is a beauty in all seasons.
3. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Similar to the River Birch, the bark on Crape Myrtles begin to peel away as the trunk expands. As the bark begins to peel, you’ll be able to notice different shades of brown underneath. Their peeling bark is also why the trunks of crape myrtles appear so smooth. I consider this tree a “4 Season” plant. In the spring, it has lush green foliage. In the heat of the summer when many flowers are suffering, this tree explodes with a full canopy of beautiful, showy flowers. In autumn, the flowers are replaced with attractive, black marble-like seeds and the fall foliage is a glorious kaleidoscope of color. Finally, in winter, the overall vase-like structure of this tree and its multi-colored bark is simply lovely in the landscape.
4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Though the bark on this tree is not exfoliating, the architecture of this tree is a true winter stunner. The trunk and the branches almost look snake-like with all the twists and turns. The thin canopy of leaf branches above cast a delicate contrast to the strong structure below. And when it snows… watch out, it’s simply incredible.
I hope I’ve inspired you to look around the neighborhood (or maybe even your own backyard) and take a closer look at plants providing extraordinary “winter interest”.
To learn more about trees and shrubs that elevate beauty in a winter garden, I recommend the book “Wonders of the Winter Landscape: Shrubs and Trees to Brighten the Cold-Weather Garden” by Vincent Simeone.

Vinnie was one of my first professors at Farmingdale State College, teaching a Woody Plants class that got me hooked on this course of study. He is the Director of Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, NY, so he really knows his trees and shrubs!
Still counting the days to spring. But until then, I'll try to find the beauty in the winter.
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