Some think of trees as just green plants, offering shade and beauty in the warmer months. But there are some trees that stand out in the winter with their high contrast and stunning bark colors. These trees are the perfect choice for those looking to add drama and character to their garden or backyard.
One of the most iconic trees that displays white bark is the Betula tree, also known as the birch tree. This variety of tree is often characterised by its stark white trunk and branches, which appear to paint a beautiful picture against the treeline. The Betula tree grows up to 70 feet tall and is native to several zones, making it an ideal choice for many garden plots.
If you’re looking for a smaller option, the Paper Birch, or Betula papyrifera, is a fast-growing variety that offers a unique display. Its white bark ignites a glow in the winter landscape, and its paper-like texture is a sight to behold. The Paper Birch is also a native species and a popular choice for those who want to attract wildlife to their backyard.
Another tree that brings drama with its white bark is the Sycamore tree, known for its beautiful display of colors in the fall. The Sycamore’s trunk and branches are a striking combination of white and green, providing a high contrast against the backdrop of autumn colors. This tree also grows tall, creating a majestic presence in any landscape.
For those who like a bit of mystery and intrigue, the Ghost Gum tree is the perfect choice. This tree is native to Australia and is characterised by its white trunk and branches that seem to glow in the moonlight. The Ghost Gum offers a unique display of colors and is a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a tree that offers more than just white bark, the Tigress Tree is a great option. This tree has a unique pattern on its bark that resembles the stripes of a tiger, giving it its name. The Tigress Tree grows quickly and adds a touch of drama to any landscape with its high contrast colors.
When choosing a tree with white bark, there are several options to consider. From the iconic birches to the show-stopping Sycamore and unique Ghost Gum, these trees are sure to provide contrast and drama in your garden. Whether you’re looking for a native species or a fast-growing variety, there is always a beautiful tree with white bark that will make your landscape stand out.
Trees with white bark
Trees with white bark are a ghostly contrast in any landscape. The white trunk of these trees stands out against the surrounding greens, creating a stark and dramatic effect. Whether you choose a native species or an invasive one, the white bark of these trees makes them a show-stopping addition to your garden
Birch Trees
Birch trees are perhaps the most well-known trees with white bark. With their fast-growing nature and beautiful white bark, they are a popular choice among gardeners. The Betula species, such as the Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) and the Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), are both characterised by their white bark. These trees offer year-round interest, with their white bark standing out against the fall colors and their green branches providing a stark contrast in the winter months.
Weeping Willow
The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is another tree that offers a unique white bark in your garden. While the leaves of this tree are green, the trunk has a distinct white glow. This tree is hardy and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for landscaping. The weeping branches of this tree also add a touch of character to your backyard plot.
Tigress Mock Orange
The Tigress Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii ‘Tigress’) is a small tree that is known for its white bark. While it may not have the same stark contrast as some of the other trees on this list, its white bark adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This tree grows at a moderate rate and offers beautiful flowers in the spring, making it a great choice for any garden.
White Spruce
The White Spruce (Picea glauca) is a native tree that also has white bark. This tree is particularly stunning when planted at the treeline, where its white bark stands out against the surrounding greens. The White Spruce is a hardy tree that grows well in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for any garden.
Silver Birch
The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) is a species of birch that is known for its silver-white bark. This tree offers both beauty and function, as its white bark adds a touch of elegance to any garden while also providing shade and privacy. The Silver Birch is a fast-growing tree that is easy to maintain, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Conclusion
Trees with white bark are a unique and eye-catching addition to any garden. Whether you choose a birch, a weeping willow, a mock orange, a spruce, or a silver birch, you can be sure that the white bark of these trees will create a dramatic and beautiful landscape. So, if you’re looking to add some contrast and drama to your garden, consider planting a tree with white bark.
1 Snakebark Maple Acer tegmentosum ‘White Tigress’
The Snakebark Maple Acer tegmentosum ‘White Tigress’ is a stunning tree with white bark that adds contrast and drama to any landscape. This unique variety of maple tree is known for its beautiful white bark with green stripes, which is where it gets its name from. It is actually a small species of maple tree that grows to a height of about 30 feet.
The White Tigress Snakebark Maple offers a striking display of white bark with green stripes, creating a stark and eye-catching contrast in the winter months. The bark appears as if it has been painted on, making it ideal for home gardeners who want to add a touch of drama to their garden.
Not only does the Snakebark Maple ‘White Tigress’ offer a unique display of bark, but it also provides beautiful fall foliage. The leaves turn a vibrant red or orange color in the autumn, adding another layer of color and interest to the garden.
This species of maple tree is native to the Himalayan region and is naturally hardy. It is well-suited for growing in zones 4-8, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in a range of climates. The Snakebark Maple ‘White Tigress’ can be planted in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of most soil types.
One of the benefits of the White Tigress Snakebark Maple is its relatively small size. It grows to a height of about 30 feet, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point in a larger plot. Its compact size also makes it suitable for planting along a treeline or as a screening tree, providing privacy and shade.
The Snakebark Maple ‘White Tigress’ boasts beautiful green branches that offer a striking contrast against the white bark. This combination of colors creates a beautiful and eye-catching display that is sure to be noticed.
If you are looking for a tree that offers contrast and drama, the Snakebark Maple Acer tegmentosum ‘White Tigress’ is an excellent choice. Its unique white bark with green stripes and vibrant fall foliage will provide a show-stopping display in any garden.
2 Weeping cherry tree Prunus pendula
The weeping cherry tree, or Prunus pendula, is a variety of cherry tree famous for its graceful, drooping branches that create a stunning contrast against its white bark. This tree actually belongs to the rose family and is native to Japan. Gardeners particularly love the weeping cherry tree for its beautiful display of pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring.
The weeping cherry tree is known for its delicate appearance, with slender branches that hang down towards the ground. Its bark is a pale white color, offering a stark contrast against the greens of the surrounding landscape. This tree grows to a height of about 20 to 30 feet, making it an ideal choice for backyard landscaping or as a treeline offering screening. It is hardy and can withstand cold winter temperatures.
One of the most attractive features of the weeping cherry tree is its ability to ignite a sense of drama in any garden or landscape. The combination of its weeping branches and white bark creates a stunning visual effect that is sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. This tree also offers a beautiful display in the fall, with its leaves turning a vibrant red or orange color before they drop.
Gardeners who choose the weeping cherry tree will not only benefit from its aesthetic appeal but also from its wildlife value. The tree’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its fruits provide a food source for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, the weeping cherry tree is not known to be invasive and can be safely planted in most home gardens.
| Bark Color: | White |
| Flower Color: | Pink or White |
| Height: | 20-30 feet |
| Native to: | Japan |
| Wildlife Value: | Attracts bees and birds |
If you’re looking to add drama and contrast to your garden, the weeping cherry tree is an excellent choice. Its graceful branches and white bark create a stunning painting-like effect against the backdrop of greenery. Whether used as a standalone centerpiece or planted alongside other trees with white bark, such as birches or poplars, the weeping cherry tree is sure to be a showstopper all year round.
3 Japanese White Birch Betula platyphylla var japonica
Japanese White Birch, Betula platyphylla var japonica, is a beautiful tree that adds contrast and drama to any garden or landscape. With its white bark and green leaves, it stands out among other trees and creates a striking visual display.
Japanese White Birch is actually a variety of the Betula platyphylla species, which is native to several zones in Asia. It is often confused with the more common Paper Birch, but there are some differences between the two. While both trees have white bark, Japanese White Birch has a smoother and shinier trunk, resembling that of a Sycamore tree.
One of the reasons why gardeners choose Japanese White Birch is because of its fast growth rate. This variety can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet in just a few years, making it an ideal choice for creating a treeline or offering contrast to smaller trees in the backyard.
Japanese White Birch is also hardy against winter and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Its white bark stands out even more during the winter months, creating a stark contrast against the snow. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to add some color to their landscape during the colder months.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Japanese White Birch also offers benefits to wildlife. Its leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow in the fall, attracting birds and other animals. The bark also provides habitat for insects, creating a haven for wildlife in your garden.
If you’re looking to add some drama and contrast to your garden, Japanese White Birch is a great option. Its white bark and green leaves make it a standout choice, and its fast growth rate and hardy nature make it easy to maintain. Whether you choose to plant it alone or in a group with other birches, Japanese White Birch is sure to ignite the same beauty and drama that it offers in its native habitats.
4 Ghost gum Corymbia aparrerinja
The Ghost gum Corymbia aparrerinja is a unique tree that stands out with its striking white bark. Native to Australia, this tree is a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and contrast to their landscapes.
The Ghost gum is characterised by its paper-like bark, which appears white and ghostly against the green backdrop of your garden. Its branches naturally spread out, offering a beautiful display that stands out in any backyard or garden plot.
This variety of gum tree is fast growing, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to add some height to your landscape in a short amount of time. The Ghost gum can grow up to 50 meters high, providing a stark contrast to smaller plants in your garden.
In addition to its beauty, the Ghost gum is also a native tree that supports local wildlife. The tree offers shelter and food for birds and other animals, making it a great addition to any garden that aims to attract wildlife.
If you’re looking to ignite your backyard with a pop of color, the Ghost gum is a great choice. Its white bark stands out against the greens of other plants, providing a stunning visual display. In the fall, the Ghost gum’s leaves turn a beautiful shade of green, adding even more variety to its appearance.
The Ghost gum is a hardy tree that can withstand harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance option. It can also handle both dry and wet soil, offering flexibility in terms of where you choose to plant it.
Whether you’re looking for a tree that will provide a unique and dramatic display or one that will support local wildlife, the Ghost gum Corymbia aparrerinja is a fantastic choice. Its white bark and lush green leaves make it a standout feature in any landscape, and its hardiness ensures that it will thrive in various environments. Consider adding a Ghost gum to your garden today!
5 Aspen Populus tremula
The Aspen Populus tremula offers a unique and beautiful choice for your garden. Particularly known for its white bark, these plants can bring contrast and drama to any landscape. They are winter hardy and grow well in zones 2-7, making them suitable for many climates.
One of the most distinctive features of the Aspen is its white bark. The trunk and branches of this tree have a paper-like texture that naturally peels away, revealing the smooth, white surface beneath. In the winter months, when the leaves have fallen, the white bark of the Aspen shines brightly against the snow, creating a stunning visual effect.
The Aspen is not only a beautiful addition to your garden, but it is also a host for wildlife. Many different species of birds and insects are attracted to the Aspen, making it an excellent choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden. It’s also a native species in many areas, so planting Aspen can help support the local ecosystem.
If you’re considering adding an Aspen to your landscape, there are several varieties to choose from. One popular variety is the Weeping Aspen. This tree has branches that cascade downward, creating a graceful and elegant appearance. Another choice is the Tigress Aspen, which has unique bark patterns that resemble the markings of a tiger.
When planting Aspen, it’s important to keep in mind that they are fast-growing trees and may need some pruning to keep them in shape. They also have a tendency to spread through suckering, so be sure to choose a location where they have enough room to grow.
In summary, Aspen Populus tremula is a beautiful and hardy tree with white bark that offers a unique and dramatic choice for your garden. Whether you’re looking to create contrast against a backdrop of evergreen trees or want to add some character to a small plot, the Aspen is an excellent choice. Take advantage of its stunning white bark and beautiful fall colors to ignite your garden with beauty all year round.
6 River Birch Betula nigra
The River Birch, also known as Betula nigra, is a beautiful tree that provides contrast and drama in any landscape. With its green leaves and white bark, it offers a striking pop of color against other plants and trees.
Unlike other white-barked trees like the Poplars or Sycamore, the River Birch is a variety that also displays several shades of gray, bronze, and pink over its bark, adding another layer of visual interest. Its bark can even glow in the sunlight, making it a focal point in your backyard.
The River Birch is a weeping variety, which makes it perfect for creating screening and privacy in your garden. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and is particularly hardy, making it a great choice for landscaping in different zones. Its feathery branches and leaves really stand out against its white and gray bark, creating a stunning contrast.
In the fall, the River Birch’s leaves turn a beautiful golden-yellow color, offering yet another contrast against its white bark. The native River Birch is a great tree for gardeners who want to attract wildlife and help them thrive. Birds and other species can find shelter and food in its branches.
The River Birch is a great tree for gardeners who want to attract wildlife and help them thrive. Birds and other species can find shelter and food in its branches. The River Birch is a slow growing tree, reaching its mature height at a rate of less than 2 feet per year. This makes it a great tree for small gardens or plots where space is limited.
Overall, the River Birch is a stunning tree that adds character and contrast to any landscape. Whether you choose to plant it alone or mix it with other white-barked trees like the Himalayan Birch, the River Birch is sure to make a statement. Its white bark, green leaves, and vibrant fall colors all contribute to its beauty.
7 Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
The Sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis) is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers for its unique and attractive characteristics. These trees are native to North America and are known for their white bark, which stands out and provides a stunning contrast in any backyard or garden.
They are particularly hardy trees, able to withstand a wide range of weather conditions. Their white bark appears to naturally glow, especially when the sunlight hits it, making them a real showstopper in any landscape.
One of the most standout features of the Sycamore tree is its bark, which peels off in patches to reveal a pale, creamy white color underneath. This unique feature is what gives the Sycamore its ghost-like appearance.
In addition to their striking appearance, Sycamore trees are also highly valued for their environmental benefits. They provide excellent shade during the summer months and their large branches offer shelter and food for wildlife.
The Sycamore tree is a fast-growing species that can reach heights of 70-100 feet, making them ideal for use as a treeline or screening plant. They are also known for their large, maple-like leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, adding another burst of color to your garden.
While Sycamore trees are native to North America, they have been successfully introduced to other parts of the world where they have become invasive species. It is important to note their potential to spread rapidly and compete with native plants.
In conclusion, the Sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis) is a stunning addition to any garden or backyard. With their unique and eye-catching white bark, fast growth rate, and environmental benefits, they offer a display of colors, heat resistance, and wildlife support that are hard to match.
8 Himalayan Birch Betula utilis jacquemontii
When you think of trees with white bark, the Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii) is probably one of the first varieties that comes to mind. This high-altitude tree is native to the Himalayan region and is known for its striking white bark.
The Himalayan Birch is a variety of birch that grows to be medium-sized, reaching heights of less than 50 feet. Its small, delicate leaves and beautiful white bark make it a standout in any garden or landscaping design. This variety is also a favorite among wildlife, as it provides shelter and food throughout the year.
The Himalayan Birch is a hardy tree, offering year-round beauty and interest. Its white bark naturally peels to reveal a fresh layer underneath, creating a stark contrast against the dark branches. This makes it an ideal choice for painting a winter landscape or adding a dramatic touch to your backyard.
While the Himalayan Birch is not invasive like some other birches and poplars, it does require a good amount of space to grow. However, it is a fast-growing species, so you can enjoy its beauty in a relatively short amount of time.
This variety of birch is particularly well-suited for colder climates and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance and drama to their outdoor space.
The Himalayan Birch offers a stark contrast against other trees with white bark, such as the Ghost Gum or the Shelby White Pear. Its unique combination of white bark and delicate foliage creates a show-stopping effect in any landscape.
Key Features:
- Native to the Himalayan region
- Fast-growing and hardy
- Striking white bark
- Small, delicate leaves
- Ideal for winter landscaping
Why Choose the Himalayan Birch:
- Provides contrast and drama in the garden
- Attracts wildlife
- Offers year-round beauty
- Well-suited for cold climates
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your backyard or create a stunning winter landscape, the Himalayan Birch is a top choice. Its beautiful white bark and fast-growing nature make it a standout tree that is sure to impress.
9 Silver Birch Betula pendula
The Silver Birch, or Betula pendula, is a popular choice among gardeners for its beautiful white bark and contrasting green leaves. This tree offers a unique display of colors throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create visual interest in their backyard or garden.
The Silver Birch is a fast-growing species that is native to many different zones. It can reach heights of up to 20 meters, making it a great option for creating a screening effect or adding height to your garden. While the bark of the Silver Birch is most commonly white, it can also appear silver or even grayish, creating a stunning visual effect in your landscape.
One of the main reasons why gardeners choose the Silver Birch is its hardy nature. This tree can withstand harsh winters and is resistant to many common pests and diseases. It requires little maintenance and can thrive in most soil types, making it a versatile choice for any garden.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Silver Birch also offers environmental benefits. Its broad, dense canopy provides shade during the summer months, helping to keep your garden cool. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow color, adding another layer of visual interest to your landscape.
If you’re thinking of adding a Silver Birch to your garden, here are a few things to consider:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
- Make sure there is enough space for the tree to grow to its full height
- Consider planting multiple Silver Birches to create a striking display
- Keep in mind that the Silver Birch is a fast-growing tree and may require regular pruning to maintain its shape
Overall, the Silver Birch is a great choice for gardeners looking to add contrast and drama to their landscape. Its unique white bark, combined with its fast growth rate and hardy nature, make it an excellent addition to any backyard or garden.
10 Paper Bark Birch Betula papyrifera
One of the most iconic trees with white bark is the Paper Bark Birch. Betula papyrifera, commonly known as Paper Bark Birch, is a deciduous tree that provides a beautiful contrast to any landscape. Its stunning white bark stands out against the backdrop of green trees and creates an eye-catching display.
The Paper Bark Birch is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing up to 40-70 feet in height. It has a fast growth rate and appears graceful with its weeping branches. The unique white bark peels off in thin layers, resembling paper, hence its name. This feature makes it an ideal choice for those who want to add visual interest to their backyard.
One of the main benefits of growing Paper Bark Birch is its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. It is hardy in zones 2-7 and can withstand high heat and cold temperatures. It is particularly well-suited for areas with harsh winters, where it can bring much-needed color and beauty during the winter months.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Paper Bark Birch also offers several practical benefits. Its dense branches provide excellent screening, making it ideal for creating privacy in your backyard. The tree also attracts wildlife, with birds and squirrels often making it their home.
If you’re considering adding a Paper Bark Birch to your landscaping, there are several other varieties you may want to consider. The Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii) is another white-barked birch that offers a similar display. The River Birch (Betula nigra) and the White Poplar (Populus alba) are two other options that can provide contrast and drama in your yard.
In conclusion, Paper Bark Birch is a beautiful tree that adds contrast and drama to any landscape. Its stunning white bark stands out year-round, creating a unique and eye-catching display. Whether you choose to plant it as a standalone tree or incorporate it into a larger planting scheme, the Paper Bark Birch is sure to ignite interest and add beauty to your outdoor space.
Why are some trees white
Several species of trees have white bark, adding a unique and beautiful element to any garden or backyard. One variety of trees with white bark is the poplars. Poplars are known for their hardy nature and fast growing capabilities. These trees not only provide a dramatic display of white bark, but they also create a ghostly look throughout the year, standing out against the high heat of summer and the stark landscape of winter. They are also native to many different zones, making them ideal for gardeners in various regions.
Another tree with white bark is the sycamore. With its white bark and green leaves, the sycamore offers a stunning contrast in any landscaping plot. This species of tree is known for its ability to grow tall, reaching heights of up to 100 feet. The white bark of the sycamore attracts wildlife, offering a haven for birds and other animals.
One tree that is actually known for its white bark is the tigress birch. This small tree features white bark that appears striped, creating a visually appealing display. The tigress birch is a great option for those who want to add a splash of color to their backyard or garden.
There are also trees with white bark that can be painted on, providing endless opportunities for creativity. Some gardeners choose to paint their trees white to create a stark contrast against the greens and other colors in their yard. This makes for a unique and eye-catching display.
The founder of the Shelby White World Wildlife Fund Research Project, Jim Reynolds, has stated that white-barked trees have a higher heat tolerance compared to trees with dark bark. This makes them a great option for areas where high heat is a concern.
Overall, trees with white bark offer a variety of benefits. They provide a unique and beautiful contrast in any garden or backyard, attracting wildlife and adding visual interest throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to create a ghostly landscape or ignite a splash of color, there are several species of trees with white bark to choose from.
What trees have white bark
If you’re looking to add contrast and drama to your garden, consider trees with white bark. With their stark, bright trunks, these trees can be a stunning addition to any landscape. In this article, we will explore several tree varieties that offer the unique aesthetic of white bark.
Betula or Birch Trees
When you think of trees with white bark, birches are probably the first plants that come to mind. There are several species of birch trees, including the Himalayan birch, which has stunning white bark that appears to glow in the sunlight.
The Betula genus includes both native and non-native species, making them an ideal choice for various climate zones.
Poplars
Poplars are another tree family that features white bark. The Shelby and Silver Leaf varieties are particularly known for their white trunks. These fast-growing trees can reach impressive heights and are often used for screening.
Sycamore Trees
The Sycamore tree is a native species that has a unique mottled bark, with patches of white and light greens. These trees can grow up to 100 feet in height and are a popular choice for creating a dramatic focal point in any garden.
Ghost Trees
Ghost trees, also known as White Poplars or Silver Poplars, live up to their name with their ghostly white trunks. These trees grow well in both cold and heat, making them a hardy choice for various climates. They are also less invasive than other poplar species, making them a great option for smaller plots.
Weeping Paper Birch
The Weeping Paper Birch is a variety of birch tree that has a unique weeping habit. Its white bark contrasts beautifully with its dark green foliage, offering a stunning show in the garden. This tree is a great option for gardeners who want to create a beautiful focal point in their yard.
Tigress
The Tigress birch is another beautiful choice with white bark and unique colors. It grows to a height of about 30 feet and is particularly known for its distinct patterned bark. The Tigress birch is a great addition to any garden and adds a touch of elegance and beauty.
In conclusion, there are several tree varieties with white bark that can add contrast and drama to your landscape. Whether you choose birches, poplars, sycamores, or unique varieties like the Weeping Paper Birch or Tigress, these trees offer a stunning aesthetic that can ignite your garden. Consider planting them to create a beautiful and unique home for both you and the wildlife that may visit.