As deciduous trees loose their leaves, their bark is exposed to make a dramatic impact in the landscape. We can certainly make our garden more interesting in the winter by planting trees and shrubs that offer striking bark. Notice how the patterns of bark vary from tree to tree. As trees and shrubs get older and grow wider, the bark may peel, split or shed to create a wonderful new look.
Some surfaces are smooth, some textured, and beautiful patterns and colors come alive in the winter.
The river birch bark is among the most beautiful. The Heritage variety sheds to white or salmon-white bark. River birch is well suited to the portion of the landscape that stays wet, but may become dry in the summer. It thrives in soils that have a pH below 6.5. These trees are medium to fast growers, reaching 30 to 40 feet in 20 years and eventually topping out at 70 feet.