Scaley Bark

Posted on July 20, 2016 by johnvic8

Continuing a recent theme involving crape myrtles, here is an aspect of some varieties that cannot be overlooked:

IMG_1342

IMG_1341About this time every year (mid July in central North Carolina) the crape myrtles begin to drop their outer layer of gray bark naturally. For some varieties (this one is ‘Osage’), a striking cinnamon color is revealed which will last well into late fall and winter. The new bark of many crape myrtles is a quiet gray, but, when you see one that exhibits this color of new bark, it is a most attractive feature.

 

You may want to visit the Crape Myrtle Gallery published by the US National Arboretum that includes bark color among other attributes for many varieties.

About johnvic8

John Viccellio retired after 24 years in the U. S. Navy and began to dig into gardening when he could finally land in one place. He completed the Master Gardener course in 1992 and has since designed and constructed two of his own gardens. He wrote a monthly garden column for ten years and was a regular contributor to Carolina Gardener magazine. John published his first book, Guess What's in My Garden!, in 2014. He lives in a retirement community in Matthews, NC.
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8 Responses to Scaley Bark

  1. Emissary says:
    July 20, 2016 at 7:39 am

    I love my Crepe Myrtle tree. When it sheds it bark it looks like the spokes of a wheel surrounding the tree! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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  2. dennyho says:
    July 20, 2016 at 7:41 am

    Metamorphosis in the garden!

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  3. Arati says:
    July 20, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Reminds me of the Madrone tree. I love the way they glisten when it rains.

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  4. rabirius says:
    July 21, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    I like the cinnamon colour.
    Thanks for making me aware.

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