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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Appealing When Peeling

Crepe myrtles are (sort of) like snakes . . . 

crepe myrtles side0723 (5)
WHY ?
Both shed their outer coverings.

shedding myrtles1Of course, a BIG difference is that crepe myrtles are not dangerous, unlike some snakes.
Shedding its outer bark is a normal part of crepe myrtle aging. It occurs when the tree has reached full maturity, which can be only a few years after planting. When the bark is done shedding, the wood will resemble a paint-by-number (remember those?) artwork.
shedding myrtles2Bark shedding (exfoliating) is not unusual among some tree species. Sycamores, various types of eucalyptus, shag-bark hickories of the South, white oaks and even some evergreen magnolias are known for their handsome, peeling bark.
BUT, few of these trees shed bark more spectacularly than crepe myrtles and sycamores. Each layer of exfoliating bark reveals another layer of contrasting color bark. 

fall crepe myrtlesCrepe myrtles are deciduous trees; most of the ones here on the VA eastern shore flower in summer from whites to dark pink flowers. When the flowers are gone and fall has arrived, the leaves turn bright yellow and deep red.

In late autumn, this is HOW the trees at the start of this post will look — right in tune with the season.

9 comments:

Country Gal said...

Oh WOW ! I have never seen one of these trees before ! How interesting. Wonderful photos and info . Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !

MadSnapper said...

they are as beautiful at the end of their leaf life as in the beginning. we have here what are called paper trees that shed all year long, i have never taken a photo of them. thanks for the idea...

Montanagirl said...

I have never seen a Crepe Myrtle, but I sure like their fall foliage!!

Connie said...

I don't think we have those around here. That's very interesting.

NCmountainwoman said...

They are such beautiful trees. I love it when a boulevard is lined with them.

Unknown said...

I loved learning this little lesson today. What beautiful trees. Thank you for sharing. Love, Becky

Lois Evensen said...

How very cool. :) We certainly saw plenty of these on our recent road trips. The bugs around them can be pretty pesty, but the trees are gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite plants and very easy to grow here in GA.

HOpe you two have a wonderful week.

Cicero Sings said...

The closest we have in my neck of the woods is paper birch.

Recently we did a Bible study on Esther and her Hebrew name Hadassah means myrtle ... so it is interesting to see the trees.