Come Bark Up Our Tree

Submitted November 22, 2013 at 3:23 PM

The flowers have faded and the leaves have fallen, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything of interest left to see in the garden. Many of the plants whose flowers and leaves had you in awe earlier in the season, have now lost them to reveal their colorful and variously textured bark.

Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens

As this handsome tree matures, its now flaky bark becomes thick and deeply furrowed.

Fringe Tree Chionanthus virginicus

The delicate, curled bark was once used by Native Americans to treat skin conditions.

Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius

In nature, deer eat the leaves and young branches, exposing this beautiful silvery bark.

Red Osier Dogwood Cornus sericea

The brilliant red twigs add striking color to Utah's winter landscape.

Columnar Scotch Pine Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata'

The light, multicolored bark of Scotch Pines provide a visual accent to its dark needles.

Blireana Plum Prunus x blireana

The swirled and twisted grain of burl wood is very dense and resistant to splitting, which make burls highly valued in woodworking, often turned into bowls, mallets and mauls.

Korean Mountain Ash Sorbus alnifolia

With age, the smooth bark becomes covered with distinguishing t-shaped markings .

This is just a handful of the many trees and shrubs at Red Butte with attractive, interesting, and often overlooked bark. Come see for yourself how diverse and unique each of them truly are.

Come Bark Up Our Tree

Submitted November 22, 2013 at 3:23 PM

Photos by Jason Baker