THE LEAFLET

January 13, 2025 /
Christina Hester

Winter Tree ID: The Beauty of Bark

When winter arrives and trees shed their leafy identifiers, a whole new world of discovery opens up. Without foliage, we’re invited to notice a tree’s subtle and striking details—its bark, form, buds, and seeds. This first part of our three-part Winter Tree ID series focuses on the fascinating beauty of bark. By learning to recognize bark’s unique patterns and textures, you can confidently identify trees—without even looking up!

So, bundle up, head outdoors, and let’s admire a few standouts you can encounter in the DC area this winter.

  1. American Sycamore or London Planetree. Easily spotted even from a distance, sycamore bark is a work of art. Its pale, patchy surface peels to reveal shades of white, gray, and green underneath. Often likened to camouflage, the bark’s smooth patches and vibrant contrasts make this tree a showstopper, especially in urban settings where the very similar London Planetrees often stand in for native sycamores.
  2. River Birch bark is a festival of textures. It peels and curls in papery strips, exposing hues of salmon pink and cinnamon beneath. Found near water or as an ornamental tree, its lively appearance brings a sense of warmth to wintery days.
  3. American Beech. With bark so smooth and gray it almost resembles an elephant’s hide, the American beech stands out for its minimalist elegance. In winter sunlight, its trunk can look luminous, and its distinctively smooth surface often features carvings left by passing admirers—though we recommend appreciating its beauty without leaving a mark!
  4. Loblolly Pine boasts thick, deeply furrowed bark that ranges in color from reddish-brown to gray. These towering evergreens are a staple of the DC area’s skyline, and their rugged bark provides a stark yet comforting contrast to the smooth barks of deciduous neighbors.
  5. American Hornbeam, also known as “musclewood,” bark lives up to its name. Its smooth, rippling surface resembles flexed muscles, lending the tree an unmistakable appearance. Often found in forests and parks, this tree invites a closer look.
  6. Common Hackberry bark has a personality all its own. Covered in corky ridges and warty protrusions, it’s as quirky as it is practical. This bark provides a habitat for lichen and insects, and its unique texture makes it easy to identify even in dense woods. 
  7. Tuliptrees are often celebrated for their leaves and flowers, but their bark deserves attention, too. Deeply furrowed and straight-trunked, the bark ranges from gray to brown and sometimes reveals a faint greenish tint. It’s a sturdy, elegant feature in forests and neighborhoods alike. 
  8. Flowering Dogwood has scaly bark that looks like a mosaic of small plates. Its dark, blocky texture is easily recognizable, even in winter. As a bonus, look for bright red berries lingering on the branches – if local wildlife hasn’t found them yet!
  9. Yoshino Cherry trees, famous in DC, showcase smooth, reddish-brown bark adorned with horizontal lenticels (tiny breathing pores). Their polished look, coupled with the occasional peeling curl, adds a touch of sophistication to winter landscapes.
  10. Bald Cypress, often found in wetlands or near water, boasts a unique, fibrous bark that peels in narrow strips. Its reddish-brown hue deepens with age, adding to its striking appearance. In winter, its bare, spindly branches enhance the bark’s texture, making it a favorite among tree enthusiasts exploring swamps or urban plantings.

This winter, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of bark. These textures and patterns tell the stories of the trees—their strength, resilience, and role in the ecosystem. As always, these trees are all available for us to plant in your yard for FREE through our planting programs. Stay tuned for the next part of our Winter Tree ID series, where we’ll explore the elegant forms of trees in winter. Until then, enjoy your bark discoveries!