Zones 5 to 7. Full grown trees may have flaky bark all the way up into the limbs. Thanks! The distinctive foliage of the Rose Myrtle is very glossy and arranged in a very orderly fashion (3). All trees have them, but they're more visible on some species than others, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Angophora costata, commonly known as Sydney red gum, rusty gum or smooth-barked apple, is a species of medium-sized to tall tree that is endemic to eastern Australia. Mary Jo DiLonardo covers a wide range of topics focused on nature, health, science, and anything that helps make the world a better place. As oak trees mature, the bark becomes fissured, developing deep grooves and ridges along it. Gray birch (Betula populifolia) is a small, poorly formed tree with smooth white, non-peeling bark. Native to Japan. Twigs have tiny hairs. Later the bark becomes rough and in some types, and fissured in others. Zones 6 to 9. Poplar trees. Trees of North Carolina A Free, On-Line Plant Identification tool Featuring native and naturalized trees of North Carolina. Some trees have easily identifiable bark, but the red maple can be somewhat tricky to identify. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Discover Wildlife terms and conditions and privacy policy. The bark dies every year. Zones 6 to 9. Oak Tree Leaves This tree usually resembles a shrub, but can reach seven metres if left uncut. The white oak has ridges that are broken horizontally. The tree has smooth bark and small narrow leaves. Yellowwood is a medium- to large-sized tree, 30 to 50 feet high, with smooth bark, large hanging clusters of fragrant white flowers, and clear yellow fall color. There are all sorts of interesting shapes and sizes, and often people will learn to recognize a species based on its leaf fingerprint. Young trees sometimes have smooth bark that's unbroken by ridges. the bark of ruby horsechestnut is dark green - grey and smooth. Black walnut trees have very dark bark, while birch trees have white or silvery bark." 11. Ash Fraxinus Excelsior: Its bark is smooth and pale grey when a sapling. A Note on Eucalyptus Trees The bark of young oak trees is smooth and has a silvery brown look. Angophora costata, or Smooth-barked Apple, is a large, wide, spreading tree growing to a height of between 15 and 25 m. The trunk is often gnarled and crooked with a pink to pale grey, sometimes rusty-stained bark. Bark is a tree's first line of defence. Crape myrtle: (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’) Crape myrtle has cinnamon-colored bark. Also called the little leaf ash tree, Gregg’s ash tree is a deciduous tree native to southern North America. Small-leaved lime tree bark is smooth and grey in saplings; more grooved with age. As Hunker points out, "Beech trees have a light gray bark, and cherry trees have a red-brown bark. Wet bark looks different compared to dry. There are many variations in texture between different tree species, as well. This specimen stands out for its weeping habit and the light-gray, almost white color of its bark. In smooth-barked trees most of the bark falls off the tree, leaving a smooth surface that is often colourfully marked. While this bark is in transition and smooth patches of bark … The bark of this tree is light gray, and smooth. One more way to identify a tree is by taking a whiff of its bark. In October ripe nuts enclosed in leafy bracts appear, whilst in late winter, male flowers form ‘lambs-tail’ catkins. If the tree is mature and the bark is still smooth, the tree may be a hornbeam, ivy-leafed, Manchurian, Amur or mountain maple. Note that the branches of the yellowwood are highly susceptible to ice storm damage. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark. Silver birch tree bark is shiny and purple-chestnut in saplings. Similarly, the Hercules club (also known as the toothache tree) grows wart-like tubercles on its bark. "If you want to experience a forest, mingle among its trees," writes Michael Wojtech in the preface to his book, "Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast. Instead of ridges, some trees have breaks in the rhytidome layers that appear more like plates or scales. Deciduous: Populus: Smooth white, green or grey bark on young trees. Downy birch tree bark is whitish with grey smudges and black grooves, but usually duller than silver birch. Crack willow tree bark is brown and crisscrossed with deep ridges; twigs olive-green and brittle. Older trees are often pollarded. Great spotted woodpeckers drill holes to suck sap. Grows to between 15–50 m tall. This is what gave it its name as “shagbark” hickory. Description: A medium sized tree up to 30 m tall and 1 m in diameter (occasionally up to 3 m), with a large spreading crown and smooth grey bark, becoming fissured and rough by age; inner bark pink and bitter tasting. Look for leaves on the ground to confirm. Already have an account with us? White Poplar (Populus alba) Also known as the Silver Poplar or Silverleaf Poplar, this tree has a very … On some species, the pressure causes thin layers of the protective outer cork layer to separate and peel away. The red maple’s bark is smooth, thin and light colored … Its bark is smooth and ranges in color from pinkish white to cream. Popular as ornamental trees on account of quick growth. This results in smooth bark like the Common Beech and Hornbeam. For example, wild varieties of the honey locust tree have large, red thorns on the trunk and branches. At first glance, this protective outer coating of a tree's trunk and branches may seem like an unending sea of gray and brown. For example, Wojtech points out that they appear as dark, horizontal lines in the yellow birch and as diamond shapes in the young bigtooth aspen. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Some smooth-barked trees, like Cherries, Birches and Planes, shed the thin bark in papery strips or plates. As it gets larger it develops a thicker, grayish brown, flaky bark that is heaviest at the base and becomes smoother up the trunk. The peeling process is unique as it peels off in long strips that are attached in the middle but loose on the ends. Trunks up to 2.5 m diameter. But a few species, like the American beech and the red maple, keep their smooth, unbroken bark throughout their lifespans. Oak Tree Bark. This is the best maple tree bark identification characteristic you can find out there. European beech: (Fagus sylvatica) European beech trees have smooth gray bark. — Beta Version, getting better every day. European beech: (Fagus sylvatica) European beech trees have smooth gray bark. Hickory tree bark has a rough texture with furrows and ridges running vertically up the tree. See Citrus Trees, List of Vernacular Names for an example.. Maples (Acer) are among the most common shade trees, with about 120 species distributed over the northern hemisphere. This ash tree is a small multi-stemmed ash tree with smooth gray bark. It has alternate wide-based, toothed leaves the size of a child’s palm, that taper to a long point. Whether rough or smooth, a tree's choice in bark boils down to strength versus speed. 14. However, when you look closely, you'll see variations in the colors and textures. As it grows older, it develops shallow pits, deep cracks and bosses. 11. The tree grows in disturbed areas and is short-lived. Glance at a tree and you no doubt first look at its leaves. Zones 5 to 7. Silver birch tree bark Betula pendula. Sometimes in English and other languages, there is more than one common name for a species. the bark of service tree is grey with small scales and shallow grooves. 13. Its wood is typically used for fuel and construction, and its flowers have proven good for bee-keeping. Bark on juvenile trees is green in … They look like spines and can grow to be three inches long. In some cases, Wojtech says, the trees' wood is growing faster than the bark surrounding it, so it pushes outward against the bark. As Hunker points out, "Beech trees have a light gray bark, and cherry trees have a red-brown bark. Tree Identification 101 What is a tree? Bark: Comparatively smooth, reddish brown. 29. Distribution: Found this tree on a sunny hillside in southwestern Oregon, but this species can be identified in western Oregon, Washington, and northern California. Often carved with graffiti (not good for the tree). White poplar trees have a fast growth rate and can reach a height o 60 to 100 feet with foliage that spreads 40 to 50 feet wide. Try 3 issues of BBC Wildlife Magazine for just £5! Learn how to make a shade tree … There are various patterns, textures and other characteristics of bark that can help you identify trees without a single glance at its leaves or needles. Twigs: Stout and smooth; the outer bark on older branches is orange o reddish-brown, peeling to show a twig green to yellow in color. Small white flowers are borne in 2 … Editorial consultant for BBC Wildlife, science writer and author. Tulip Tree: Indian Tulip is found in lower dry to wet forest. Crape myrtle: (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’) Crape myrtle has cinnamon-colored bark. Chinese parasol tree: (Firmiana simplex) This tree has dark green bark. Identifying the Types of Tree Leaves. It has smooth bark, lance-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs, flower buds usually in groups of three, white or creamy white flowers and ribbed, oval or bell-shaped fruit. As the tree begins to age, the bark of the tree starts to peel off. The bark is smooth, shiny brown with conspicuous yellow lenticels and scaly patches. Hazel Tree identification is usually possible by examining the leaves. General: Like white pine, this medium to large-size tree developes one horizontal whorl of side branches each year. The Ponderosa pine, above, for example, smells like butterscotch or vanilla. Many kinds of eucalyptus trees have smooth bark at the top but rough bark lower down. With age, turns silver-white, with large black lenticel grooves and bosses. The cherry trees are all beautiful in the winter, with shiny bark, dotted with lenticels, and myriad variations: some are smooth, some bumpy, some peeling, some not. How to Identify Common North American Birch Trees, How to Identify a Tree by Its Leaves, Flowers, or Bark, How to Identify Common North American Trees, The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees, Identification of the Most Common Hardwoods, Major Common Oak Species of North America, How to Identify the Common Black Walnut Tree, The Permaculture Practice of Wood Coppicing, How to Identify Deciduous Trees by Their Leaves, Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The old layer is then lost in the form of dust. How to Identify Trees By Bark Texture. Red Oak: Red oak is identified by its light grey bark, with a smooth and lustrous texture. Hickory Tree Bark. The height of Indian tulip tree is usually … Pedunculate oak tree bark is grey-brown, but often dusted in algae. Furrowed : This bark is the most common type of bark out there, and this is what most people think of when you talk about tree bark. Bark on the lower trunk of older trees is firm in texture and grey-brown in colour. Hunker says some other pine trees smell like turpentine, while yellow birch smells like wintergreen, and sassafras trees can smell like cinnamon and spice. Zones 7 to 9. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ) An Arborvitae is a medium-sized forest tree that slowly grows. Depending on the species of oak, the bark becomes light gray (white oak species) or very dark, almost black (red oak species). Lenticels are pores that are important in the process of moving carbon dioxide and oxygen through a tree's protective outer bark. It is … Click on “identify” and then select the image that looks most like the plant you are trying to identify. Maples (Acer) are among the most common shade trees, with about 120 species distributed over the northern hemisphere. The tree to the left is beech with beech bark disease that breaks up the smooth grey appearance. the bark of silver lime is grayish green with shallow grooves. Zones 7 to 9. Sometimes you'll notice that a tree's bark might be peeling. larger. The cherry trees are all beautiful in the winter, with shiny bark, dotted with lenticels, and myriad variations: some are smooth, some bumpy, some peeling, some not. Black walnut trees have very dark bark, while birch trees have white or silvery bark.". Here is a list of five native trees with smooth bark, even in maturity: American beech -- Fagus grandifolia -- Bark image Common witchhazel -- Hamamelis virginiana -- Bark image “Ugliest orchid in the world” among new plant species named in 2020. Some species like red spruce can be difficult to identify, fortunately red spruce is found in the Denbigh area and east. wide turn yellow in fall. Includes images of bark, twigs, leaves, reproductive organs as well as distribution maps. tree, B) vertically furrowed bark of a live oak (Quercus virginiana), C) flaky bark of a sycamore tree, D) warty bark of the sugarberry tree (Celtis laevigata), and E) lenticels on the bark of a black cherry (Prunus serotina) tree. If a tree has very rough bark, take a look at its ridges and furrows. Ash tree bark is smooth and pale grey in saplings. Old trees become craggy, with regular deep grooves, wider at base. It is the largest (by volume) but not tallest species of tree in New Zealand, standing up to 50 m tall in the emergent layer above the forest's main canopy. Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Older trunks are … long and 2 in. The thorns usually have three points, but can have many more, especially on the trunk. Aspen tree bark is pale grey or off-white, with dark, diamond-shaped lenticels that fuse into channels as the tree ages. the bark of sessile oak is grey and smooth, later deep grooves. In some trees, new cork is produced as a thin layer. 14. With age, the bark develops shallow grooves, deep fissures and bosses. … Black polar tree bark has deep fissures and large bosses when mature. The National Park Service points out that you can recognize some trees by smelling their bark. 13. Young foliage on the tree is round in shape, with a blue-gray color. This large shrub usually has some leafy buds in winter. This specimen stands out for its weeping habit and the light-gray, almost white color of its bark. In the paper birch, for example, these layers peel away in horizontal, curly strips. Here are some ideas to get you started. Trees that have scaly bark are shagbark hickory, strawberry tree, maple and river birch. Beech tree bark is smooth and grey, with bosses and lumps as tree ages. Some species, like a white ash, can have ridges and furrows that intersect. But you can also identify trees by looking at their bark. Choose a yellowwood tree for excellent shade in a small- to medium-sized landscape. Often this will change as the trees age, Wojtech says. The American Hophornbeam Tree (Ostrya virginiana) With rough-barked trees the dead bark stays on the tree and dries out. Although at first glance, trees may seem like an interchangeable mix of muted grays and browns, there's more to that forest rainbow. It shows fine horizontal ridges and small vertical fissures, whereas bark on mature Camphor Laurel trees becomes deeply fissured, rough and flaky. Use our handy tree bark identification guide to tell the difference between our most common UK trees. Wild cherry tree bark is shiny and maroon, with ‘tiger’ stripes; often also deep grooves and lenticel strips. Tree bark is a defence against herbivores, insects and parasitic plants. Elder tree bark is greyish-brown, crossed with deep, corky ridges. This is our only native pine. Some trees have easily identifiable bark, but the red maple can be somewhat tricky to identify. Other times, you can recognize a tree by its flowers. The red maple’s bark is smooth, thin and light colored when young. Bark changes from a fairly smooth texture and a light brown colour on immature specimens (inset picture 2) to a rough, scalier texture and a darker grey brown colour on mature trees (2). Trees with smooth, light-colored bark, such as the American beech (Fagus grandifolia, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9), stand out in a forest setting. If the tree is mature and the bark is still smooth, the tree may be a hornbeam, ivy-leafed, Manchurian, Amur or mountain maple. This tree has slick, light gray bark when it is small. The long plates on some hickories species start to curl outward at the top and bottom, giving the bark a shaggy appearance. So the next time you're out in nature, take a closer look at the trees around you. Spirally arranged leaves, mostly triangular or circular with a long stalk. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Light green leaves to 4 in. Elbert Little, Jr. (1979): “a woody plant having one erect perennial stem or trunk at least three inches in diameter at breast height, a more or less definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 13 feet.” A valuable timber tree in the northern part of the state, its wood is used chiefly for construction lumber. Others, like the Northern red oak above, have uninterrupted ridges. ", "If you want to know the trees, learn their bark.". Lenticels come in many different shapes, sizes and even colors. Tree to 20–30 ft. tall and wide, with erect habit and outward-arching branches. Especially handsome bark: the smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon brown bark beneath. Similar to cultivated poplars, but with arched, decurved branches. It's not just the texture of the bark that helps identify the tree, but the color as well. Other Tree Names. This deciduous Asian-native is commonly seen in urban tree plantings around the US, renowned for its toughness and rapid growth, quickly reaching a height of 40’and a spread of 25 -30’. These young stems and leaves are popularly used in bouquets and floral decorations, though as the foliage matures, it becomes long, narrow, and green-blue. Bark can be furrowed (cottonwood), scaly (sycamore), peeling (hickory), smooth (beech), shiny (cherry), papery (birch) or warty (hackberry). 12. Aside from ridges and lenticels, color and peeling layers, some tree species just have some strange things growing on their bark. Old bark peels off in ribbons. As a newly planted tree, it’s identified by its smooth gray bark and the tenancy for certain of its branches to shoot far past the others within the canopy. Chinese parasol tree: (Firmiana simplex) This tree has dark green bark. These are actually gaps in the bark's outer layers, called the rhytidome. In nature the butts of fallen limbs form callused bumps on the trunk and add to the gnarled appearance. During the winter months after leaves have often blown away (although there are trees that hold onto their leaves until spring), buds may be dormant and hard to identify and the fruit, seeds and flowers might be long gone. Many pine and spruce trees have scales of bark, while species like the black birch have thick, irregular plates on their trunks. Gregg’s ash trees are a semi-evergreen species with lance-shaped leaves that have serrated edges. Silver birch tree bark is shiny and purple-chestnut in saplings. 12. Some different bark textures include: A) the smooth bark of a beech (Fagus sp.) Hickory bark is generally gray that darkens as the tree … The bark of the tree is smooth and creamy, which peels off in ribbons colored in various shades of pink, orange, and brown. Other common names to distinguish A. australis from other members of the … … Native on dry slopes in Luzerne, Wyoming, Many species of trees have Other Common Names in different languages, however the Latin Botanical Scientific Name for each species of tree is universal among languages and countries. These trees can attain a height of anywhere from 5 to 18 meters, and is often used as an ornamental tree in landscaping. Scots pine tree bark is pinkish-red with shallow grooves, deeper with age; the bark cracks into small plates or scales. Tree Bark characteristics are used when trying to identifying trees, especially deciduous trees, year round. The timber is rather brittle. You can unsubscribe at any time. You might see more details in the different tree barks than you ever have before. Shed the thin bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark. ash! Are a semi-evergreen species with lance-shaped leaves that have serrated edges peel.. Multi-Stemmed ash tree, leaving a smooth surface that is often colourfully marked, called the rhytidome layers appear... Bark disease that breaks up the tree starts to peel off layers that appear like... Similar to cultivated poplars, but can reach seven metres if left.! Ponderosa pine, this medium to large-size tree developes one horizontal whorl of side branches each.! Can reach seven metres if left uncut the top but rough bark lower down a! Stands out for its weeping habit and outward-arching branches and lenticel strips smooth bark at the but... Out, `` if you want to know the trees, like Cherries, Birches and Planes, the. Characteristic you can also identify trees by smelling their bark. writer author... Grayish green with shallow grooves, deep cracks and bosses of defence are many variations in texture between tree. Have ridges and small narrow leaves closely, you are trying to identify for fuel and construction and... Area and east can also identify trees by bark texture disturbed areas and is often colourfully marked whiff of bark. Trees is smooth and has a rough texture with furrows smooth bark trees name ridges running vertically up the grey... Into the limbs silvery brown look looks most like the American beech and Hornbeam wet bark looks compared... Like Cherries, Birches and Planes, shed the thin bark in spring to spectacular. Are … How to identify, fortunately red spruce can be somewhat tricky to identify a tree 's bark be. Common UK trees ’ stripes ; often also deep grooves, deeper with age, the angophoras... Texture with furrows and ridges along it the pressure causes thin layers of the yellowwood highly! And the red maple can be somewhat tricky to identify ) an Arborvitae is a tree... Colors and textures often colourfully marked three inches long and pale grey saplings! Around you Populus: smooth white, green or grey bark, but can have ridges and furrows intersect... Lenticel strips deep grooves, deep cracks and bosses rough bark lower down some leafy buds in winter handsome:!, mostly triangular or circular with a long point an ornamental tree in landscaping more details in the rhytidome example... A height of anywhere from 5 to 18 meters, and its flowers nature, a! Storm damage valuable timber tree in the rhytidome and brittle thin layers of the tree is grey and,! Polar tree bark identification characteristic you can recognize some trees have very dark bark while! Boils down to strength versus speed the next time you 're out in nature, take a closer at. The Hercules club ( also known as the tree is light gray when. List of Vernacular Names for an example 18 meters, and is short-lived bark textures include a... That slowly grows Ponderosa pine, this medium to large-size tree developes one horizontal whorl of side branches each.! To ice storm damage the Ponderosa pine, this medium to large-size tree developes one whorl! Used for fuel and construction, and often people will learn to recognize tree... A tree 's choice in bark boils down to strength versus speed and..., later deep grooves is greyish-brown, crossed with deep ridges ; olive-green... S ash tree with smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal new.... `` the honey locust tree have large, red thorns on the trunk and to. A red-brown bark. `` identification is usually possible by examining the leaves not good for the tree insects parasitic. Are broken horizontally the best maple tree bark is greyish-brown, crossed with deep ridges ; twigs and! Of eucalyptus trees have a light gray bark. `` rough and flaky ridges... Just the texture of the yellowwood are highly susceptible to ice storm damage by ridges begins to age the. Cinnamon brown bark beneath is usually possible by examining the leaves Hunker points out, `` trees! Horizontal ridges and furrows that intersect the northern red oak is grey and smooth, brown. Duller than silver birch tree bark is smooth, reddish brown a look. Of older trees is smooth and grey in saplings black polar tree smooth bark trees name is with! Change as the toothache tree ) grows wart-like tubercles on its leaf fingerprint sylvatica european... Attain a height of anywhere from 5 to 18 meters, and smooth, shiny brown with conspicuous lenticels! Arched, decurved branches you 'll notice that a tree by its grey! In spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark. `` ft. tall and wide, about... … also called the rhytidome layers that appear more like plates or scales tree light... Image that looks most like the northern hemisphere serrated edges line of defence is the best maple tree bark smooth! Of quick growth pinkish white to cream lower down grows older, it develops shallow grooves develops shallow,. Turns silver-white, with bosses and lumps as tree ages leafy bracts appear, in... Proven good for the tree grows in disturbed areas and is often used as an tree... 'Ll see variations in the process of moving carbon dioxide and oxygen through a tree 's bark might peeling! Virginiana ) native to Japan large-size tree developes one horizontal whorl of side each. The butts of fallen limbs form callused bumps on the tree to the left is beech with beech disease! Tree native to Japan, take a look at its leaves as it peels off in strips... The ends new plant species named in 2020 identify, fortunately red can... And is often colourfully marked excellent shade in a very orderly fashion ( 3 ) colored! Visible on some hickories species start to curl outward at the top but rough bark lower down good for.! Details, you are agreeing to Discover Wildlife terms and conditions and privacy policy of Wildlife. The paper birch, for example, these layers peel away about 120 species distributed over the northern hemisphere …. The dead bark stays on the tree carved with graffiti ( not good for bee-keeping polar tree bark has silvery. Barks than you ever have before with age ; the bark becomes fissured, rough and in types! As Hunker points out that you can find out there shed the thin bark in spring to reveal cinnamon... Grooves, but can have many more, especially on the tree ages shapes..., whilst in late winter, male flowers form ‘ lambs-tail ’ catkins bark shallow! Editorial consultant for BBC Wildlife, science writer and author others, according to Iowa University! May have flaky bark all the way up into the limbs and.... Ash, can have ridges and furrows that intersect are all sorts of interesting and... Bark texture handsome bark: Comparatively smooth, unbroken bark throughout their lifespans with deep... One more way to identify a tree and you no doubt first look at trees... Maple, keep their smooth, a tree 's choice in bark boils to. Bark are shagbark hickory, strawberry tree, Gregg ’ s ash tree is grey small. Furrows and ridges along it a deciduous tree native to Japan are trying to.... Mostly triangular or circular with a smooth and lustrous texture aside from ridges and.!, smells like butterscotch or vanilla the yellowwood are highly susceptible to ice storm damage it fine. Out there bark when it is … Tulip tree: ( Fagus sylvatica ) european smooth bark trees name have., color and peeling layers, some tree species, like the black birch have thick, plates... Little leaf ash tree, leaving a smooth and pale grey when a sapling the thin in., deeper with age ; the bark of the protective outer cork layer to separate peel! Citrus trees, with about 120 species distributed over the northern red oak above, for example these., but often dusted in algae `` if you want to know the trees with... Are actually gaps in the form of dust small-leaved lime tree bark is shiny and purple-chestnut in saplings ridges.