15 Winter Interest Trees and Shrubs with Beautiful Bark

A stand of white birch trees — Birch might be one of the trees that is most well-known for its attractive bark and color.

A good winter interest plant should be cold-hardy in your growing region and have particular features that help the plant stand out during the cooler part of the year. Plants with evergreen leaves or winter berries are commonly used as winter interest specimens. But trees with unique bark patterns and colors can also be useful, and their large size will anchor garden designs and provide a sturdy backdrop for lower-growing shrubs and perennials.

1. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)

White paper birch trees — Paper birch is something of a winter hallmark and is often used in Christmas and winter decor.

Plant Name:	Paper Birch
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 2 to 6
Notable Features:	Beautiful, white bark

A wonderful accent tree, paper birch is famous for its distinctive, peeling white peeling bark, but it’s also a colorful foliage plant in autumn too! Native to parts of North America, paper birch’s brilliant white bark is an evolutionary adaptation that helps the plant survive cold winters where temperatures fluctuate significantly between the day and night. Beyond their ornamental bark, the buds, catkins, and seeds of birch trees provide a reliable food source for many small mammals and birds, including the ruffled grouse, and paper birches also serve as host plants for certain pollinator species.

Ultra cold-tolerant paper birches can grow in areas as chilly as USDA growing zone 2; however, these plants struggle in the heat, and they won’t thrive in areas warmer than zone 6. Growing well in a range of soils, paper birches can handle both full sun or partial shade, and they’re drought and salt-tolerant as well. Traditionally, birch bark was used by the Peoples of the First Nations to make an assortment of objects, including canoes, baskets, and baby carriers.

2. Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)

Shagbark hickory next to a river — There are few trees with as much textural interest as the shagbark hickory.

Plant Name:	Shagbark Hickory
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 4 to 8
Notable Features:	Distinctive, shaggy bark

Another North American native, shagbark hickories have fantastically unusual, grey-brown, and shaggy bark that’s sure to stand out in winter landscapes. However, these trees look beautiful throughout the year, and they produce lovely golden leaves in autumn. Shagbark hickories also yield edible nuts, which are a favorite snack food for chipmunks and deer, and the Carya species serves as a hostplant for over 200 different species of butterflies and moths!

A top-notch shade tree, shagbark hickories prefer rich and fertile soil that’s well-drained, and they grow best in either full sun or partial shade. Once established, shagbark hickories are quite drought-resistant; however, these trees have long taproots that make transplanting difficult. Shagbark hickory nuts have been used by the Peoples of the First Nations to make edible cooking oil, while the wood of these trees is commonly used today to make tool handles, baseball bats, and other items requiring shock resistance.

3. Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Plant Name:	Red Twig Dogwood
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	High
Growing Zone:	Zones 2 to 7
Notable Features:	Red stems in winter

Red twig dogwoods are exceptional specimen plants all year round, and they can be planted singly as accent plants or grown en masse for a more impressive effect. With blazing red branches, these shrubs look stunning in winter, but they also produce darling white blossoms in spring, variegated leaves in summer, and berries from summer to fall. Red twig dogwood berries are a prized food source for various bird species, and other small animals love them too!

Red twig dogwoods are most happy when they’re grown in moist, acidic soils that are well-draining. Tolerant of full sun or partial shade, these plants are often used in woodland gardens, but they can also be planted as backdrop plants in mixed bed arrangements. Even better, these plants are quite hardy and durable, which is likely why they’re often used in plant symbolism to signify strength, protection, and a firm will.

4. Evans Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘Evans’)

Bright red cherries on a cherry tree — The cold hardy Evans cherry tree lends showy color at different times of the year.

Plant Name:	Evans Cherry
Light Requirements:	Full sun
Water Requirements:	Moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 4 to 8
Notable Features:	Edible, tart cherries for pies

The Evans cherry is a large shrub or small tree with shiny red bark and bright red berries. This tart cherry tree is noted for its high yields, and Evans cherry fruit is well-loved by birds and raccoons. Evans cherries are also edible for humans, but they’re very sour, so they work best when cooked with sugar into pies, jams, cobblers, and other sweet trees.

Evans cherries are very cold-tolerant plants, and they can be successfully grown in regions where other tart cherries fail. Preferring loam to sandy loam soils, these plants will be happiest when they’re planted in well-draining earth and full sun. For the best flavor and texture, Evans cherries should be harvested when the fruit skins develop a deep, rich color.

5. Paperbark maple (Acer griseum)

Paperbark maple tree — The paperbark maple tree lends textural interest and is a standout year-round, but in winter in particular.

Plant Name:	Paperbark Maple
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	High to moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 5 to 8
Notable Features:	Striking cinnamon-colored bark

Paperbark maples are famed for their cinnamon-colored bark, which stands out in garden beds all year round -- although these plants are particularly noticeable in winter. Late in the season, the bark of these maple trees deepens in color, and the plant also produces flaming red leaves in autumn, which typically stay on the tree long after other trees have dropped all of their foliage. Similar to paper birches, paperbark maple bark peels, which gives the tree an unusual and textured appearance.

Preferring moist, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade, paperbark maples are relatively low maintenance, although they are intolerant of drought. Because they love lots of water, these plants can be grown in clay-heavy soils that other plants won’t take. However, paperbark maple trees will need to be watered regularly in hot weather.

6. Silver birch (Betula pendula)

Silver birch tree — Silver birch is similarly attractive as the paper birch tree.

Plant Name:	Silver Birch
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	High to moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 2 to 7
Notable Features:	Colorful bark

Another exceptionally cold hardy birch tree, silver birches have striking, silvery-white bark that is certain to draw the eye in winter landscapes. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, silver birches don’t handle hot, dry, or humid climates well, but they are otherwise adaptable. In fact, these trees can grow invasively in some areas, so you may not want to grow these plants if you live in a region where silver birches can spread.

Preferring moist but well-drained soil, silver birch trees are well-suited for gardens that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, but they can adapt to other growing conditions too. While these trees are low maintenance, they shouldn’t be pruned in late winter or early spring when bronze birch borer insects are active. Despite being a non-native birch, silver birches provide food and habitat for hundreds of insect species, and they look pretty while doing it too!

7. Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Plant Name:	Crepe Myrtle
Light Requirements:	Full sun
Water Requirements:	Moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 7 to 9
Notable Features:	Vibrant summer flowers; intriguing bark

Crepe myrtles are so commonly grown in the American South that many gardeners assume they’re native plants. However, crepe myrtle trees are actually native to Asia, and they were brought to America in the 18^th century by a few intrepid naturalists. Since then, crepe myrtle trees have become naturalized in many warm areas of North America.

Prized for their colorful flowers, crepe myrtle blooms are said to resemble crepe paper, which is how the plant got its name. While crepe myrtle flowers are long-lasting, crepe myrtle leaves are also gloriously colorful in autumn, and this plant also provides winter interest thanks to its unique peeling bark. Adaptable to most soils as long as they’re well-draining, crepe myrtles crave bright sun, and they are quite drought tolerant once they’ve had some time to become established in garden beds.

8. American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American hornbeam tree — American hornbeam can grow in less ideal soil conditions.

Plant Name:	American Hornbeam
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 3 to 9
Notable Features:	Muscular tree trunks

Also known as ironwood or musclewood, American hornbeams stand out in winter landscapes thanks to their muscular trunks and finely textured bark. But while these plants certainly look impressive in landscapes, they also serve as host plants to over 65 different butterfly species, and many birds eat hornbeam nuts as well. Not surprisingly, due to their sturdy wood, American hornbeams have traditionally been used to symbolize confidence, strength, and alliances.

Hornbeam trees are very hardy, and they can even tolerate clay soils where many other plants won’t grow. These plants can also grow in areas that are prone to flooding, and they can even grow near black walnut trees, although they don’t like compacted soil. And if you needed even more reasons to try American hornbeams in your landscape, these North American natives are known to attract birds, and they make exceptional hedging plants and privacy screens too.

9. River birch (Betula nigra)

River birch tree — The river birch is a birch with more color contrast than the typical white or silver.

Plant Name:	River Birch
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	High to moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 4 to 9
Notable Features:	Colorful, peeling bark

Unlike its cousins, the paper birch and silver birch, the bark of the river birch isn’t white. Instead, new bark displays hints of salmon-brown, reddish-brown, or cinnamon coloration, and then the bark peels away to reveal layers of browns, grays, and creams. Beyond its attractive winter interest bark, river birch trees are also notable for their golden autumn leaves, which fall away quickly.

Native to the eastern United States, river birch is best suited for growing in moist, acidic, and fertile soils, and these trees tolerate full sun to part shade. Depending on your style, river birches can be grown en masse or singly as specimen trees, and their seeds are used as a food source by many birds and small mammals. Relatively low maintenance, river birch trees don’t require much pruning, and like paper birches, these trees were once used to make baskets, canoes, and cradles.

10. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Flowering ninebark shrub — Ninebark is a good choice for difficult soils and for erosion control.

Plant Name:	Ninebark
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 3 to 7
Notable Features:	Attractive, peeling bark

During the winter, ninebark is mostly known for its unusual bark, which peels away from the plant’s stems in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown color. Throughout the rest of the year, ninebark produces colorful leaves and flowers, which liven up garden beds and provide extra garden privacy too. Ninebark flowers appear in spring through mid-summer, and they’re highly attractive to birds, butterflies, and other pollinators as well.

As it grows, ninebark maintains a mounded form, which makes the plant an excellent choice for hedging, although ninebark can also be used to control erosion on sloping hillsides. Ninebark isn’t picky about soils or sun exposure, but common ninebark isn’t self-fertile, so you will need multiple ninebark shrubs if you want your plants to fruit. Once used as a medicinal plant by the peoples of the First Nations, ninebark is a close relative of hawthorns and roses, and it makes a pleasing addition to any garden.

11. Snake bark maple (Acer davidii)

Deep patterned snake bark maple tree — The deeply colored and patterned bark of the snake bark maple is what it is most often grown for.

Plant Name:	Snake Bark Maple
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate
Growing Zone:	Zones 5 to 7
Notable Features:	Striped bark

Also known as the Père David's or striped maple, snake bark maple trees are native to China, but they can be grown in gardens, parks, or yards. Named for the distinctive striping on the tree’s pale green bark, snake bark maples have dark green, ovate leaves during summer, and then the leaves turn a glorious, bright yellow, orange, or red color in autumn. However, these trees are mostly kept for their bark, which shows up well even in winter gardens.

Preferring average moisture levels and acidic soil, snake bark maples grow best in full sun, but they can handle partial shade too. These maple trees don’t like heat, though, so they aren’t good choices for hot and humid areas. Instead, snake bark maples are ideal for the cooler climates of the Pacific Northwest and similar regions, and they’re winter hardy in growing zones 5 through 7.

12. Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora)

Plant Name:	Japanese Red Pine
Light Requirements:	Full sun
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 5 to 7
Notable Features:	Strong silhouette

Japanese red pine trees are easily recognized by their crooked or sweeping trunks and peeling bark, which displays hints of a lovely, reddish-orange color. With branches that grow nearly horizontally to the tree’s trunk, Japanese red pines create an interesting and picturesque silhouette in garden beds and landscapes. As a result, these plants are best suited for growing as specimen trees, but they can also be grown as backdrop plants in mixed beds.

One of the best things about Japanese red pines is that they are extremely low-maintenance and adaptable. Growing best in well-drained soils and full sun, Japanese red pines are moderately drought tolerant, but they don’t tolerate salty soils well. Throughout the year, these trees provide support for the larvae of Imperial moths, as well as small mammals and songbirds.

13. Golden twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea’)

Yellow twig dogwood — The Golden Twig Dogwood is a yellow color variant of the red version by a similar name. Both are quite showy in a snowy landscape.

Plant Name:	Golden Twig Dogwood
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	High
Growing Zone:	Zones 3 to 8
Notable Features:	Yellow stems in winter

Golden twig dogwood is a colorful variant of the red twig dogwood, and as such, it has very similar growing needs to the above-mentioned species. However, unlike its red-toned cousin, the golden twig dogwood has bright yellow stems, which will show well against a snowy landscape. At times, red and yellow dogwoods are grown together for extra color!

Beyond their colorful bark, these plants offer golden yellow leaves in autumn, and they produce white berries that are well-loved by birds. For best results, grow golden twig dogwoods in consistently moist soils with lots of organic matter and make sure they get plenty of sun. Unlike many other plants, these shrubs can handle semi-boggy conditions, and they look best when they’re pruned from time to time, which rejuvenates stems and keeps the plant’s roots from spreading too quickly.

14. Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Lacebark elm tree — The bark of the lacebark elm comes in varying shades.

Plant Name:	Lacebark Elm
Light Requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 5 to 9
Notable Features:	Exfoliating bark

Native to China, Korea, and Japan, lacebark elms provide winter interest in the form of their exfoliating bark, which comes in various shades of brown, tan, gray, olive, and cinnamon. By autumn, lacebark elm’s color-changing leaves turn from green to shades of gold, purple, and a deep, dramatic red. What’s more, these trees are attractive to songbirds and butterflies, and during the growing season, they provide a good deal of shade to sunny gardens.

Useful as a specimen or backdrop tree, lacebark elms prefer well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and full sun to part shade. Hardy and adaptable, these trees can tolerate both heat and drought, and they’re resistant to both Dutch elm disease and the elm leaf beetle. Interestingly, throughout history, elm trees have been associated with the Underworld in both Greek and Celtic mythology!

15. Snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora)

Australian snow gum tree — The snow gum tree is an eye-catcher for USDA zones 7 or their equivalent and higher.

Plant Name:	Snow Gum
Light Requirements:	Full sun
Water Requirements:	Moderate to low
Growing Zone:	Zones 7 to 11
Notable Features:	Smooth, multicolored bark

Native to eastern Australia, snow gums are famed for their unique bark that’s a smooth white, grey, or yellow color. Throughout the year, snow gum bark sheds in colorful ribbons, which catch the eye and add extra interest to landscapes. These trees are only hardy to USDA growing zone 7, however, so they aren’t good choices for gardeners in cool climates.

Thanks to their irregular growth habit and dense, spreading canopies, snow gums are fantastic specimen trees and accent plants. These trees will grow best in fertile and slightly acidic soils, and they need full sun to thrive. Snow gums do need to be protected from harsh winds, though, and since these trees can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, they shouldn’t be grown around livestock pastures.

Frequently asked questions

Colorful tree bark looks painted — Trees and shrubs with interesting and colorful bark stand out in winter landscapes.

What trees look best in winter?

Most often, gardeners associate evergreen trees with the winter months since these hardy plant types keep their leaves and needles throughout the year. But trees with interesting and colorful bark can also add grace and beauty to winter landscapes. Some popular plants of this sort include birch trees, ninebark, and dogwood.

What trees survive a freeze?

Trees that are rated for your particular growing zone should be able to survive the winters in your area. Plants like birch trees are famously good at tolerating cooler winters, but certain species of dogwood are also quite cold hardy.

What trees are associated with winter?

Evergreen trees, like pines and hollies, are often associated with the winter months, but there are other winter-interest plants to try in cold gardens. Dogwoods and birches, for instance, have very distinct bark that shows up well even in snowy landscapes.

What kind of tree has bark that looks like paper?

Paper birches are famous for their thin and peeling park that looks and feels a lot like paper! In fact, many crafters today use paper birch bark for their projects; however, it’s best to gather up naturally shed bark as peeling bark off live birch trees can harm them.

How do I identify trees by their bark?

Some trees, like shagbark hickories, have very distinct bark that makes identification a breeze. But if you’re new to working with tree identification, you may want to invest in a tree identification book with a dichotomous key

Why are paper birch trees so white?

Paper birch trees’ striking white bark evolved because these trees grow mostly in cold areas where day and nighttime temperatures fluctuate significantly in late winter. These changing temperatures can cause sap to expand quickly, which can cause trees with dark bark to split and drop branches. However, paper birch’s white bark reflects the light well, and this helps moderate the temperature of the tree so sap doesn’t expand as quickly.

Summary

A tree with shaggy bark — Trees with interesting bark, color, and structure have good visual appeal in the winter when leaves and flowers are not present.

Just because plants aren’t producing flowers and leaves in winter doesn’t mean your winter garden needs to be barren. With an eye for detail and the right winter interest trees in your garden, you can keep your landscape surprisingly colorful all year round. For even more interest, try out some of the trees we’ve covered today with hardy evergreens with scented needles and enjoy a winter garden that’s a treat for all of the senses.

We hope this article has inspired you to plant more winter interest trees on your property! But if you’re still looking for more winter gardening tips, you may also want to explore our guide on creating a winter habitat garden for wildlife.