Flowers and foliage always get star billing in plant descriptions but the beauty of bark should not be overlooked. In cooler climates, the winter bareness provides an opportunity to enjoy the interesting textures and colours of bark – and some of them are magnificent.

Fraxinus excelsior ‘Aurea’ (Golden Ash) – European deciduous tree to 30m though usually less than 20m; fresh green pinnate leaves turning clear bright yellow in autumn before a quick clean drop; bare stems yellow with velvety black buds.

Betula pendula (Silver Birch) – tall slender deciduous northern hemisphere tree to 20m; pendulous serrated leaves turning clear yellow in autumn; catkins produce large amounts of seed; bark is silvery white furrowed with deep grey.

Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple) – deciduous Japanese tree to 8m; dainty lobed leaves turning golden-orange in autumn; spectacular bright red young stems are particularly strongly coloured in winter.

Luma apiculata – small evergreen tree native to Chile and Argentina to 5m (may reach 12m in perfect conditions); dark green foliage; beautiful soft coppery bark peels to pale gray; plant in semi-shade.

Cornus stolonifera ‘Baileyi’ (Bailey’s Dogwood, Redtwig) – North American deciduous suckering shrub to 3m, usually coppiced; dark green leaves; white flowers in summer; stunning bare red stems during winter.

Acer davidii subsp. grosseri (Snakebark Maple) – Chinese deciduous tree to 10m, often multi-stemmed; three-lobed leaves turn red in autumn; insignificant green flowers in spring; bark is spectacular – green with dramatic vertical white stripes; suits cool climates only.

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) - Chinese deciduous tree to 7m; lobed leaves green above and grey below that turn red in autumn; bark is an attractive coppery colour that peels off like rolls of foil; Suits cool climate gardens only.

Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle) – deciduous Chinese shrub/small tree to 7m, often multi-stemmed; rounded leaves that turn red/purple/orange in autumn; masses of summer flowers in shades of pink, crimson, lavender and white; magnificent, smooth, brownish-pink bark; very tolerant plant.

Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry) Chinese deciduous tree to 4m; long, slender leaves than turn pale yellow to bright scarlet in autumn; white to pale pink spring blossom; magnificent shiny mahogany red bark than can be polished to a deep gloss; suits cool climate gardens.

Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-scented Gum) – Australian gum tree to 20m; pendulous foliage has a divine lemon scent which pervades nearby areas; creamy white flowers in winter; bark is smooth pale pink to soft grey; frost tender when young.

Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box) – Australian evergreen tree to 15m (much larger in its natural habitat); glossy, leathery leaves; white flowers in late spring; smooth coppery brown bark; popular street tree.

Melaleuca biconvexa – small paperbark native to coastal NSW; forms stands in moist locations; narrow pointed leaves; white flowers; particularly attractive soft pink to tan papery bark is thick and spongy and peels in layers. Many other Melaleucas also have attractive bark.

Illustrations from top to bottom:
1. The silvery white bark of Betula pendula (Silver Birch) against a clear winter sky.
2. The luminous red stems of Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple) catch the afternoon sun.
3. The red stems of Cornus stolonifera ‘Baileyi’ make a spectacular statement in the winter garden.
4. The magnificent, smooth, brownish-pink bark of Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle) is very tactile.
5. The bark of Melaleuca biconvexa is eyecatching.