Trees With Red Bark: An Unusual Sight in the Forest
Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush? Then you need to head to the forest and take a look at trees with red bark. These trees are quite unusual and can be hard to find, but they are definitely worth checking out.
In this guide, we will show you some of the most popular trees with red bark so that you can find them on your next adventure.
Top 6 Trees With Red Bark
Trees with red bark are relatively rare, but they are out there if you know where to look. Here are the top six trees with red bark that you can find in the forest:
1. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Eastern hemlock is a conifer native to eastern North America. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania, where it is commonly known as the “Pennsylvania hemlock.” Eastern hemlock grows well in the shade and prefers moist, acidic soil.
While most trees have brown or light gray bark, eastern hemlocks sport a beautiful reddish-brown hue. This unique color is the result of a pigment called hematochrome, which is found in the tree’s outermost layer of cells. Hematochrome protects the tree from UV radiation, and also helps it absorb heat.
2. Whiteleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscida)
Whiteleaf manzanita is a small evergreen tree-like shrub that grows in the forests of the western United States. The bark of this tree is a beautiful red color, which is unusual for manzanitas.
This tree gets its name from the white flowers that bloom on it in the spring. This tree is a member of the rose family, and is related to the more common manzanita tree.
3. Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens)
Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, and they are also some of the oldest. These massive trees can grow to over 300 feet tall, and live for over 2000 years.
The bark of the redwood is a deep red color, which is caused by a pigment called tannin. Tannin is also responsible for the reddish color of tea and wine. This pigment helps protect the tree from insects and diseases.
Redwoods are found on the northwestern Pacific coast of the United States, from California to southern Oregon. These trees are an important part of the ecosystem in this region, providing habitat for many animals, and helping regulate the local climate.
4. Paperbark cherry tree (Prunus serrulata)
The paperbark cherry tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. The tree bark has reddish-brown bark, and thin layers of peeling bark. The leaves are oval-shaped, and the flowers are white.
The fruits are small, dark red cherries. These native trees to China and Japan. The paperbark cherry tree is a beautiful tree that is perfect for small gardens. The tree is easy to care for, and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
5. Madrone tree (Arbutus menziesii)
The madrone tree is a beautiful evergreen that’s native to the west coast of North America. It has glossy, dark green leaves and smooth bark, reddish-brown bark.
The madrone is related to the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), and its fruit is edible but not very tasty.
Forest resources are important to madrone trees, as the tree provides food and shelter for many animals. The wood of the madrone tree is hard and strong, making it perfect for furniture and flooring.
6. Syzygium gratum (Water Apple)
This tropical tree is also known as the Malay apple, and it’s easy to see why – its vivid red bark makes it stand out amongst other trees in the forest.
The water apple is native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, but can now be found in many parts of the world. Its fruits are edible (although they don’t taste very nice), and the tree is often used as an ornamental plant. This tree species can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do northern red oak, yellow birch, and pine trees have red bark?
The northern red oak, yellow birch, and pine trees do not have red bark. However, there are some subspecies or varieties of these trees that may have reddish-brown bark.
Does tree identification by bark color work for all trees?
No, tree identification by bark color does not work for all trees. There are many trees with similar bark colors, and some trees can have different bark colors depending on the season. But, if you want to identify trees by their bark, you can use a tree identification key.
Do white oak, white ash, and red maple trees have red bark?
No, these trees do not have red bark. However, there are a few tree species that do have red bark, and they are quite a sight to see in the forest. The red bark is caused by a pigment called anthocyanin, and this pigment is one of the few pigments that gives these trees their unique color.
Does unbroken bark indicate a healthy tree?
Yes, for the most part. If a tree’s bark is cracked, peeling, or otherwise damaged, it could be an indication that the tree is unhealthy. However, there are some trees with red bark that are perfectly healthy.
Trees with red bark are definitely an unusual sight in the forest, but they’re definitely out there if you know where to look. Be sure to keep an eye out for these six trees next time you’re on an adventure in the great outdoors.