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Trees that have white bark


The 6 Best White Bark Trees That Look Great All Year

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Often, trees are selected and grown for their foliage, fruit, or flowers—seasonal features that blossom and fade over several months. However, it’s not impossible to find deciduous trees (those with leaves that drop over the winter) capable of delivering beauty year-round. The key is to narrow your search to trees with white bark. Even in winter months, when barren, uniquely alabaster branches offer a striking contrast against dark siding, a backdrop of evergreens, or even against the winter sky.

While trees with white bark are not rare, they’re not as common as other trees for two reasons: Certain varieties require particular growing climates, while others are subject to disease and insect infestation. Before choosing a tree, make sure it’s suitable for your geographic region by consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which indicates the coldest average winter temperatures by region.

Keep in mind that some white trees have additional geographical requirements on top of hardiness zones, such as altitude limitations, so do your homework to determine which trees to grow and which trees to avoid. The following six types of trees are among those most commonly chosen for the beauty of their white bark.

The 6 Best Trees with White Bark

While their growing ranges are limited in scope, the following trees thrive in specific regions and under particular growing conditions. Planting a white bark tree will add visual interest to the landscape and help increase the property’s value.

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1. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis)

You may be familiar with some species of birch that have beige or brown bark, but a select few species of Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) feature creamy white trunks and limbs. Native to the Himalayan region, these birch trees prefer cool, well-drained soil and full-to-partial sun exposure. These birch varieties grow best in zones 1 through 7, although areas where summer temps regularly exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to their growth. If you live in northern areas of the contiguous United States, Canada, or Alaska, check out the following trees with white bark—though very similar, each has a few unique qualities.

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While the trees, themselves, love full sun, the ground around their roots should be shaded. This can be accomplished by adding a layer of hardwood bark mulch around the trunk. Additionally, Himalayan birch trees are prone to infestation by sawflies and aphids, and they can develop diseases, such as rust and leaf spot. For the best results, have the tree checked annually by a tree professional (arborist) and treated as necessary to keep it in top health.

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2. American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

For fans of colorful autumn foliage, nothing beats the brilliant gold and orange show put on by a grove of Aspen trees on the side of a forested mountain. The American Aspen (Populus tremuloides), also known as “quaking aspen” or “trembling aspen,” produces a smooth–bark white tree trunk that can reach 80 feet at maturity with a narrow crown spread of only 20 feet. American Aspen’s striking white bark will develop contrasting black markings as it matures, which add to its visual interest. In optimal conditions, American Aspen is a quick grower, growing as much as four feet per year.

This soaring tree grows best in zones 2 through 7, and while it likes full sun, it doesn’t care for summer temperatures that regularly exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It also will not abide low elevations: American Aspen rarely grows at elevations less than 2,000 feet, and grows best at elevations between 5,000 to 12,000 feet. By entering your city and state on this interactive elevation map, you can determine if an American Aspen is suitable for your area. (Bonus points if you’re in the right elevation range and located near banks and streams, as these trees with white bark thrive with plenty of water and well-drained soil.)

With its tall, lean stature, American Aspen is well-suited to growing in clumps, and when planted three to five inches apart will produce a multi-trunk effect. It’s just as attractive when planted individually along fences and property lines, or anywhere else a statuesque border is desired. Aspens spread by root shoots, so a few clumps of aspen could become a spectacular grove in 15 to 20 years.

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3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Reaching an average height of 100 feet at maturity with a similarly wide crown spread, the white bark American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a dramatic addition to a large landscape. It grows well in zones 4 through 9, averaging two to two-and-a-half feet of growth per year. It produces insignificant yellow-red flowers in spring that give way to large green leaves (up to nine inches wide) in summer. Brownish non-edible fruit balls develop in summer and eventually dry out, bursting open to release downy seeds. Its mottled white bark, which starts out brown and turns creamy white after 10 to 12 years, makes it a favorite in the winter landscape.

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Due to its large size—the average mature trunk measures three to eight feet in diameter but has been known to reach as wide as 16 feet—it needs plenty of room to grow. Historically, the trunk of this tree with white bark was favored by Native Americans who would hollow it out for canoes.

American sycamore is best suited as a single specimen tree in a large area where it can reach its full growth potential. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil that’s high in organic matter. The largest American sycamore specimens are found along waterways, so plant this tree near a pond or stream for the best results. While American sycamore prefers a location where it receives full sun, it will tolerate light shade.

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4. Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja)

If you live in zones 9 and 10 and are looking for a fast-growing, white bark tree that won’t lose its foliage during the winter months, consider planting a Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora). Native to Australia, the Ghost Gum, also called “snow gum” and “white sallee,” has made a name for itself in warmer regions of the US. With its ability to grow up to three feet per year, it doesn’t take Ghost Gum long to become a specimen in the landscape.

It reaches 45 to 50 feet in height with a crown spread of 25 to 30 feet at maturity. In addition to its creamy colored smooth bark, Ghost Gum features attractive gnarled branches, and the tree emits a faint but distinct aroma of eucalyptus. From October through December, Ghost Gum blossoms cover the tree in an explosion of delicate white flowers that offer a striking contrast against its deep green waxy leaves.

This variety grows in all types of soil, won’t mind drought, and flourishes in full sun (although it will tolerate partial shade). Perhaps unsurprisingly, it also thrives in salty coastal regions. Its rapid growth rate and tough demeanor—resistant to smog, insects, and diseases—also make it a good choice for planting in urban neighborhoods. It grows well in various soil types—from loamy to sandy but is susceptible to damage from beetle borers and root rot. Ghost Gum makes an excellent single specimen tree but is just as attractive when planted in groups of three or more.

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5. White Poplar (Populus alba)

Native to Europe and Central Asia, White popular is now grown in many countries, including zones 3 to 8 in the United States, where can become a remarkable focal point in the landscape. White popular produces silvery-green foliage, and at maturity, it reaches 50-75 feet, with a crown spread of up to 75 feet, making it well-suited for growing on large open lots.

The bark on white poplar produces a light green tinge when the tree is young but will mature to a white base with contrasting black patches and dark furrowed ridges. White poplar needs a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, and it prefers well-drained soil. However, it is tolerant of high moisture levels and will even withstand occasional flooding conditions.

An attractive specimen in the winter landscape, the tree is popular with nesting songbirds and squirrels. For all its positives, although, white poplar is not without challenges. The tree propagates itself quickly through sucker growth, so surrounding grounds should be carefully maintained to keep new suckers from growing.

6. European Poplar (Populus tremula)

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Related to American aspen and grown for its silvery-white bark that’s delightfully interspersed with patches of golden yellow, European poplar is commonly found in New England. It will survive as far north as USDA zone 2. Its bark remains smooth its entire life and the tree is often harvested for use as a veneer on high-quality wood furniture.

European popular grows quite tall, reaching 130 feet and producing a dense crown spread of up to 33 feet. The trunk base itself can reach 3 feet in diameter at maturity, making the tree well-suited to large lots and parks where its shimmery foliage can be enjoyed in summer and its stark white bark admired in winter.

The European poplar does best in a sunny location and thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It can be planted as a single specimen tree or in groupings of three or more in borders or privacy screens.

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FAQ About Trees with White Bark

White bark trees are alluring and beautiful in the winter landscape when their trunks and branches provide a stark contrast against buildings and gray skies. For those looking to incorporate the beauty of white bark trees in the landscape, some questions are to be expected.

What type of trees are white?

Among the most common types of white bark trees are varieties of aspen, birch, poplar, sycamore, and gum species.

What kind of tree has bark that looks like paper?

A type of birch, paper birch (Betula papyrifera), produces peeling white bark that resembles sheets of paper flaking off the trunk and branches.

What is the tree with large white flowers?

Several trees produce large white flowers in spring, with two of the most common being Southern Magnolia and White Dogwood.

What does a white poplar tree look like?

Also called “Silver Poplar,” the white poplar grows as tall as 75 feet with a crown spread just as large. At maturity, its white bark develops contrasting black ridges that offer a visually interesting design element in the landscape.

Final Thoughts

While most deciduous trees can be quite dull in the winter landscape, with their brownish-gray trunks and branches, white bark trees produce a stark contrast against houses, buildings, and gray skies. However, getting the right one requires researching the species to ensure it will thrive in a specific region.

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Beautiful Trees with White Bark & Where to Find Them – FastGrowingTrees.com

There's plenty of good reasons to add a tree or two to your property, and there are many different types of trees that you might be considering for your home.

The next time you take a walk or a drive around your area, take careful note of the color of the bark of each tree you pass. Most of them have brown, woody bark, but a select few varieties are blessed with bark that reflects the light, appearing a brilliant white on sunny days.

These white bark trees are more common than you might think, and their distinctive appearance makes them highly sought-after by homeowners.

Why Do Some Trees Have White Bark?

White bark on trees is a biological adaptation that protects against sun damage. Darker trees will collect heat faster when illuminated by the sun, while lighter trees will reflect the sunlight with their white bark. Too much heat from sunlight can actually damage trees — especially those in colder growing zones — by way of a phenomenon called sunscald.

As a result, some trees, like the River Birch, have adapted over time to have white bark, a side effect of which is looking great on a residential property as complements to evergreen trees or standing on their own.

The Best White Bark Trees

There are many different types of trees with white bark to choose from. However, not every tree is a good fit for every climate, and if you try to transplant a tree in the wrong growing zone it may not last.

1. Birch Trees

Birch trees are some of the most common trees with white bark that you're likely to see. They're extremely resilient and look great during all four seasons. These trees, belonging to the Betula family, thrive in the Northern hemisphere, most notably in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The birch tree with the whitest bark is the aptly named
White Birch.

It's resistant to many blights and illnesses but prefers cooler climates than most other birch trees. For example, while other varieties of birch grow well in zones 4 to 9, the white birch — also called the "Paper Birch" due to the way its bark peels off in sheets — survives best in zones 2 through 6.

River Birch Trees are another type of birch with white bark, although they're not as bright as White Birch trees.

This is especially true of the Heritage River Birch, which has white bark under a darker outer layer that can shed in certain conditions. Preferred by homeowners in areas with a warmer climate, River Birch trees thrive in a higher range of hardiness zones.

Depending on the type of birch tree you're looking for, you can expect them to grow around 1.5 feet per year, reaching a height of 30 to 40 feet tall after 20 years.

2. Poplar Trees

Trees of the family Populus are also known for their white bark, though not as well or as broadly as birch trees.

The poplar tree with the whitest bark is the
White or Silver Poplar.

It can be distinguished from the white birch fairly easily, even if you can't tell the difference in leaves. The White Birch has brilliant, white bark that peels in bands, while the White Poplar is actually a bit of a misnomer — while it appears to be white, it's more like a silvery gray color and is tighter on the trunk. White Poplars are extremely common in North America, although they have invasive traits, so make sure you do your research before shopping for a poplar tree.

White and Hybrid Poplars are commonly sought after for the width of their canopy, which makes them excellent shade trees. Adding a shade tree to your property can create the ideal environment for staying cool during the summer.

Although it’s rarely considered a true
Poplar, the Quaking Aspen is a unique tree known for its snow white bark.

Iconic in the Rocky Mountains (and the ski town with the same name), the Quaking Aspen is said to quake due to the slight flutter of its leaves in even the mildest breeze. Some Aspen Trees do have brilliant white bark during parts of the year and, during the fall, they're well known for their leaves, which turn a striking, bright yellow. Ultimately, however, they're not the best choice for residential homeowners, as they don't live as long as other trees. Most Quaking Aspens have a shorter growth cycle and only tend to live for an average of 20 years.

3. Sycamore Trees

By far the largest tree on this list, the American Sycamore (a member of the Platanus family) is a resilient tree, able to be planted anywhere in zones 4 through 9, and is known for its striking bark at various times throughout the year. Sycamore trees start the spring with darker bark that slowly sheds over the course of the year to reveal grayish-white bark underneath. Most Sycamore Trees never lose all of their outer bark resulting in a unique "mosaic" look of light and dark bark.

Sycamores top out at around 90 feet high and are resistant to a range of disease and contamination, which makes them a popular choice for suburban and residential streets.

4. Gum or Eucalyptus Trees

The Ghost Gum and its close cousins of the Eucalyptus family are very unique trees, looking more at home in a desert or grassland than a residential yard. This is only fitting considering that they are native to the Australian outback.

With that in mind, homeowners in extremely tropical parts of the U.S. may be able to enjoy the beauty of these trees. The reason we're calling out the Ghost Gum is because of the especially attractive appearance of its bark — from a distance, its pinkish-white hue looks smooth and uninterrupted, almost like a drawing of a tree rather than a real one.

The Benefits of White Bark Trees

Choosing a tree with white bark depends greatly on the climate where you live. People in the American midwest won't be able to support a gum tree in the same way that people living in South Florida will have a hard time with a White Birch.

With this in mind, whether you're looking for a smooth bark tree or a rough one, a white tree with peeling bark or one that's a little easier on the lawn, you can't go wrong with any on this list.

Still searching for the right tree for you? Be sure to check out the variety of white bark trees we offer at Fast Growing Trees.

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees. com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

11 trees and shrubs with beautiful bark that will decorate the winter garden

Have you ever picked seedlings for the garden with an eye to their decorative effect in winter? We offer you a selection of trees and shrubs that will color the most gray and faded landscape.

Winter doesn't have to be synonymous with a boring gray garden! With the right selection of trees and shrubs, your personal corner of wildlife can sparkle with a rich variety of colors and textures. nine0003

Take note of our list!

Jacquemont birch (Betula utilis var. Jacquemontii)

Jacquemont birch, or simply Himalayan birch, as it is often called in everyday life, is perhaps the whitest birch in the world! Her bark finally turns white in the sixth year of life. Thanks to this feature in winter, especially in a light snow coat, she looks fabulous without exaggeration.

Given that this plant is native to the Himalayas, it feels great in the most severe frosts. This birch loves good lighting, but can also tolerate partial shade. Grows best in well-drained but well-drained soils. If your site is in a lowland, you should take care of the drainage of water. nine0003

Himalayan birch grows relatively slowly. The height of the tree reaches 9-12 m, while the width of the crown does not exceed 5-7 m. This is a multi-stem culture. The branches are directed upwards and do not "crumble" like a fan.

Jacquemann's birches look particularly impressive in group plantings. They can be used to create mixborders and alleys. Himalayan birches can be planted along the fence. And in winter, your site will be edged with the finest lace of snow-white branches.

Saw cherry (Prunus serrula)

Sawtooth cherry, a close relative of sakura, is also known among gardeners as the Tibetan cherry. This ornamental tree is attractive with shoots and a trunk of a luxurious shade of mahogany. The bark is glossy, shiny, densely speckled with streaky lenticels.

Tibetan cherry is a multi-stemmed tree with a branched crown. In adulthood, its height and crown diameter are approximately equal and reach 6-9 m.

Cherry of this species is truly unpretentious: it grows well on soils of various types, but especially prefers those rich in humus. Like other members of the family, the tree needs good lighting and watering, and does not like stagnant water in the area. nine0003

The plant is frost-resistant and adequately endures the winters of the middle zone. In addition, this cherry does not require complex care and radical pruning.

Sawtooth cherry looks magical not only in spring during flowering, but also in winter due to the bright color of the shoots. And in summer and autumn it is decorated with glossy dark green foliage.

Himalayan cherry fruits can theoretically be eaten raw, but in fact they have a very specific taste, not very pleasant. Most often, berries are used in folk medicine. nine0003

Heptacodium miconioides

Heptacodium miconioides has many beautiful names: northern myrtle, German rhododendron, and autumn lilac. But best of all, its appearance reflects the nickname given to the plant by the people - a flower about seven sons.

The thing is that the inflorescences of heptacodium are collected in lush paniculate brushes of 7 pieces. During flowering, they are strewn with snow-white flowers, and at the end of it they acquire a dark pink color - the sepals in which the purple fruits "hide" are painted in this color. It is the faded heptacodiums that resemble lilac bushes or rhododendrons. nine0003

The flowering period falls at the end of summer - the beginning of autumn. At this time, the corner of the garden, occupied by the heptacodium, is filled with a pleasant sweet aroma, something reminiscent of the smell of climbing honeysuckle Honeysuckle, and butterflies flutter around the fragrant bush.

We are interested in the appearance of this little-known shrub in our area in winter. Pink brushes are stored until the very first frost. But even without such an elegant decoration, the heptacodium attracts attention. Its shoots are covered with exfoliating barley-gray bark, very similar to the bark of the sycamore tree. nine0003

Culture can be formed not only as a shrub, but also as a small tree. The heptacodiums formed on three stems look the most beautiful. An adult plant grows up to 3-5 m.

This ornamental plant has won the recognition of many fans in Canada and the USA, and also managed to gain popularity in Western Europe. It is quite possible to grow it not only in the Moscow region, but also in the middle lane - according to the assurances of breeders, heptacodiums must endure frosts down to -29°C

Heptacodiums are planted in well-lit areas protected from the wind.

White Derain (Cornus alba)

White Derain (or White Svidina) is a favorite plant in autumn and winter mixborders. Its cherry-red shoots will bring bright accents to the "asleep" garden. For example, we have already offered the option of a beautiful flower garden with derain, heather, erica and herbs.

This shrub changes its “dress” several times in one season. In late spring and summer, he is "dressed" in green and white: the foliage is strewn with small brushes 5 cm in diameter, collected from tiny whitish-cream inflorescences. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow, and the arrival of winter deren meets in a red "suit". nine0003

The fruits of this derain ripen in the middle of summer. Usually they are white, but in some varieties they become bluish-blue.

White sod sometimes blooms again in summer.

The bush will not give you trouble: it does not get sick, is not afraid of frost, drought and slight flooding.

The height of an adult plant is 2.4-3 m.

Keep in mind that trimming the turf depends on your plans for its participation in the garden "symphony". If you want to achieve the maximum spectacular look in winter, you need to stimulate the branching of the bush. To do this, cut off a third of the old shoots to the ground in early spring. If you want the deren to bloom and bear fruit, do not prune the young shoots. nine0003

There are various cultivars of white sod. The most popular of them are Elegantissima (Elegantissima), which is notable for its green foliage with a white border, Aurea (Aurea) with golden leaves, Sibirika (Sibirica) with bluish fruits.

Red turf (Cornus sanguinea)

Another variety of pork is blood-red (an alternative name is red turf). This shrub, just like its "brother", boasts a luxurious red tint of shoots. True, in his case, the color often becomes more reddish, almost orange. nine0003

The foliage of this deren is deep green in summer, turning purple-orange in autumn. Inflorescences, like the previous type of deren, are white. You can distinguish between these two varieties by the fruits - in the blood-red they are blue-black, almost inky.

Mature shrub reaches a height and width of up to 1.5-1.8 m. It is unpretentious to the type of soil, not susceptible to diseases. It is best to plant it in partial shade or in areas with diffused light. nine0003

Derain Red is ideal for creating hedges and mixborders.

The pruning principle for this plant is the same as for white sod. It is not necessary to carry it out, but to stimulate the formation of new shoots every spring, 1/3 of the old branches are cut into a ring.

Popular varieties of blood red derené - Magic flame (Magic Flame), Midwinter fire (Midwinter Fire).

Offspring deren (Cornus sericea, C. stolonifera)

Another beautiful type of turf is offspring turf. In size, it is slightly more compact than white turf and slightly larger than blood-red turf - an adult plant reaches 1.8-2.7 m in height and 2-3.6 m in width.

offspring turf varieties Cardinal

Breeders also bred undersized varieties of offshoot turf: Kelsei (Kelseyi) - up to 90 cm high, Insanti (Insanti) - up to 1. 5 m high.

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Kelsey (left) and Insanti (right) offspring turf

As with blood red turf, the color of shoots depends on the cultivar. For example, in plants of the popular variety Flaviramea (Flaviramea) the bark is bright yellow, in the bushes Cardinal (Cardinal) - scarlet.

Flaviramea offspring turf

This turf grows quickly and does not require complex care. He loves moist soils, so it can be used in compositions near ponds. nine0003

White willow (Salix alba)

Some types of willow can also be a worthy decoration of the winter garden. For example, white willow, or silver. Of course, the willow that has long become familiar, which grows in almost every yard, is unlikely to surprise anyone. But its unusual variety - Vitellina, will certainly attract attention with a bright shade of bare branches.

White willow cultivar Bricensis

Willow Vitellina cultivar Bricensis (Britzensis) will enchant you with its fiery orange-red shoots, cultivar Yelverton (Yelverton) - orange, varieties Golden Ness (Golden Ness) - golden.

White willow variety Golden Ness

White willow grows rapidly - up to 1.2-3 m per season. An adult tree grows up to 7 m. This must be taken into account when planting.

Best planted in sunny areas with moist, loose loamy soil.

White willow Yelverton

White willow is not afraid of frost and drought. In addition, it can be planted near water bodies. nine0003

Palmatum maple (Acer palmatum)

Palmate maple is a luxurious ornamental tree native to Japan. It is valuable not only for the beautiful shape of the leaves characteristic of other maples, but also for the variety of bark colors.

For example, Maple Bloodgood (Bloodgood) has shoots and foliage of a rich wine shade, variety Sango Kaku (Sango Kaku) has orange-red branches and light green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.

Bloodgood Palm Maple

The height of a tree depends not only on the variety, but also on the formation and growing conditions. On average palm-shaped maples grow up to 4-10 m in height.

This crop is surprisingly hardy, rarely gets sick, and does not require frequent pruning.

Sango Kaku palm-shaped maple

Forming and preventive pruning is carried out not earlier than 2-3 years of life and always in the fall, at rest.

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Gray maple (Acer griseum)

Gray maple is known for its unusual, showy, chestnut colored peeling bark. Thanks to this distinctive feature in winter, against the background of a gray sky and snow-covered ground, it looks even more impressive than in summer.

It is worth noting that the autumn colors of this tree also enchant: the foliage acquires a ruby ​​hue, and this maple looks luxurious without exaggeration.

But this culture grows slowly. An adult tree reaches 6-10 m in height, and its crown is 4.5-7.5 m in diameter. nine0003

Gray maple can withstand temperatures down to -40°C, and according to some sources even down to -45°C.

Plant this crop in sunny or semi-shady areas with moist, loose soil.

Like Palm Maple, Gray Maple does not need to be pruned. If desired, the formation is carried out every 2-3 years in the fall.

Common hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta')

Common hazel can hardly be classified as an ornamental garden shrub. But her Contorta form deserves special attention! Hazel is beautiful not so much for its bark of a pleasant brown hue, but thanks to twisted, strongly twisted shoots. From afar, bare shoots resemble nothing less than a ball of writhing snakes. nine0003

In conditions of the middle belt, the height of the shrub rarely exceeds 1.5-2 m, and in warm regions it can reach 4 m. Kontorta hazel can also be grown in containers. It is best planted in sunny areas.

Pruning is minimal for this hazel - in spring, before the buds swell, it is enough to cut off damaged, old and ugly growing shoots.

Hazel is frost-resistant, winters well in the middle lane, rarely gets sick. nine0003

This plant can be planted in groups as a hedge.

Leather mackerel (Cotinus coggygria)

Leather mackerel is one of those ornamental shrubs that delight the eye all year round. No wonder the people often call it a miracle tree and a paradise tree.

During the flowering period, the skumpia is covered with airy racemes of inflorescences, which make it look like a pink cloud of cotton candy. In summer and autumn, the shrub is covered with beautiful oval-shaped foliage. And in winter and early spring, skumpia pleases with bright purple shoots. nine0003

Mackerel is not afraid of the most severe frosts, rarely suffers from diseases.

Sumpia pruning should be aimed at stimulating the growth of new shoots. Cut back about a third of the old shoots in early spring or fall. This will be enough so that the "haircut" of the bush does not affect its lush flowering.

There are various delightful varieties of tannery: Velvet Cloak (Velvet Cloak) with purple leaves and buds, Nordine (Nordine) with pink buds and reddish-purple leaves, Golden Spirit (Golden Spirit) with pale pink buds and foliage that changes color from lime in spring to chartreuse in summer and golden orange in autumn during the season.

Which of these trees and shrubs grow in your garden? Share photos in the comments and on our forum!

Why are birches white?

Firstly, the white color itself does not give any advantages to the tree and does not allow pests to be repelled. It would be strange if all pests for some reason avoided objects of a certain color. Trees are bleached - covered with lime - for two reasons: firstly, in spring it helps to avoid too early heating of the bark. Warming springs are often replaced by frosts, and the outer layer of the crust can either expand or contract back under the influence of temperature changes. This is harmful for the bark, because of sharp expansions and contractions, it deteriorates and exfoliates. And the layer of lime reflects the light and keeps the bark from getting too hot until it finally warms up. nine0003

In addition, the trees are covered with lime in autumn. This is done, indeed, to control pests that are trying to settle in trees for the winter. But even in this case, lime is used not to scare off parasites with its color, but to burn out those pests that have already settled in the bark, due to the alkaline environment of the solution.

In general, the white color of birches does not give them any special advantages, otherwise there would be more white trees. Nevertheless, white is quite common in nature and is used, for example, to attract the attention of pollinators to flowers or to camouflage animals in winter. Usually, the white color is created not due to white pigment, but due to air voids between the cells of the body. For example, white flower petals are made up of transparent cells that do not contain any special pigments. But between these transparent cells there are voids filled with air, due to which the petal appears white. For the same reasons, a snowdrift, consisting of individual transparent snowflakes, looks white. nine0003

This way of producing white is however not suitable for tree bark, which must be dense to be protective. Therefore, the bark is white only in birches - owners of a rare white pigment called betulin. The more of this pigment is contained in the bark of a tree, the lighter it looks. It is not yet completely clear why birches need betulin. It has many interesting functions, including fungicidal. So, most likely, betulin is formed in the bark of birches to protect the bark from fungi, and these trees get the white color as a free supplement. nine0003

Betulin, besides birches, only a small number of plants have, but this does not mean that other plants have not invented other ways to take care of themselves. Indeed, in addition to betulin, plants produce a huge range of protective substances that act on fungi, protozoa, and bacteria, for example, the famous phytoncides, which are rich in onions and garlic. Poisons that protect plants from herbivores are also common, such as castor bean ricin and henbane atropine. In general, plants have invented many different ways to fend for themselves, and birch betulin is just one of them.

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