Smooth bark trees in virginia. Leaf buds are dark reddish-brown.

May 4, 2010 · This article focuses on trees with very smooth bark. It is intended to be a beginning tool for tree identification, rather than a comprehensive listing or technical manual. Form: A medium to large tree up to 100 feet tall with a rounded crown. Sep 8, 2020 · When winters allow at least several years without dieback, these small trees begin to show off their smooth, two-toned, tan-and-cinnamon bark. The smooth bark, sharply toothed thin leaves with straight veins, and long sharply-pointed buds make this tree very easy to identify. Full sun. The leaves measure 1. Several trees, such as beech (Fagus sylvatica) and cherry (Prunus) are noted for their smooth bark. Nov 16, 2022 · Bark on alder trees is identifiable by its smooth, ash-gray to white color, like the bark on some birch trees. Feb 21, 2024 · Its bark is smooth, grayish-brown, gradually developing fissures as it matures. Common Native Trees of Virginia Tree Identification Guide How to Use This Book This book describes the most common native tree species found in Virginia’s forests. When red maples are young, the tree’s bark is light gray and smooth. (36 m), but their average height is between 60 and 80 ft. You can also boil the leaves to make black ink 5 . Most of these plants are native to Virginia: these plants existed in Virginia before Jamestown, Virginia was founded in 1607. Usually, the bark color is a combination of white, gray, brown, and tan. It is best recognized by its smooth silver-gray bark that can be observed throughout its lifespan, which can exceed 300 years. (24 m). Slim and ranging in hue from olive green to orange-brown, twigs bear reddish brown, egg-shaped buds. 4. This slick bark is so unique, it becomes a major identifier of the species. However, as it grows in age, the bark begins to crack and produces scale-light plates of bark that have fissures in betwe Bark Bark can be used to identify many trees year-round, but it is especially useful after leaf drop. Beech bark diseases severely deforms the smooth bark. Common Name: Whitebark Pine Mar 8, 2023 · As for the many different types of bark, each give specific advantages and disadvantages to the tree species in question. Pecan trees are large and long-lived, with the potential to reach heights of up to 100 feet and spreads of 50-80 feet. For example, bark may be described as rough, smooth, ridged, furrowed, interlaced, platy, scaly, shaggy, warty, or blocky. Set against the barren garden, the white bark becomes almost translucent, radiating a glow that will brighten every plot. In winter beech trees are easy to spot at a distance, as many pale tan dead leaves are retained on the trees all winter. Feb 19, 2023 · Identify sycamore trees by their bark: Sycamore tree bark is smooth without fissuring. May 13, 2024 · It has scaly, textured bark, a rounded, even, wide-spreading crown, and yellow-green flowers that add some interest in spring. The bark of young trees is smooth. Apr 13, 2024 · Dwarf Chestnut is a large shrub to small tree with gray to brown bark that may be smooth to lightly grooved. Standing in stark contrast to the greens . So, let’s get started. With time, the bark becomes furrowed and long, vertical plates develop on the surface. – Bark on young stem is thin and smooth, dark green, soon furrowed; on old trees 1” to 2” thick, deeply and closely fissured into narrow, roughly rectangular The Sweet Birch is a medium-sized tree with smooth bark and horizontal lenticels. American elm populations in Virginia have not been studied, but Denver’s Tree Inventory estimates that there are only 3000 trees left in the city, where there were once more than 300,000. Indians extracted a red dye from the roots. Older trees very often sprout from the base when cut. Stumps sprout prolifically, often resulting in clumps of several trees. The white oak is Maryland’s state tree and can be identified by the whitish bottom of its bright green leaves, white-to-gray patchy and blocky bark and acorns topped with a finely scaled, rounded cup. Related articles: Why do some trees have smooth bark and others rough? Jul 9, 2021 · That’s not always a good idea, because Virginia has three species of plants in the genus Toxicodendron. Pink Dogwood thrives in a variety of soil types, including well-drained sandy soil and clay soil, and is well-adapted to Virginia’s climate. It’s typical for white lichen and moss to grow on alder tree trunks—yet another way to identify this large tree. 1 inches broad. As a general identification rule, the bark on fir trees is generally more deeply furrowed than other types of conifers. 79 a. 29. Other common regional names include red sumac, scarlet sumac, common sumac , and western sumac. Hackberry leaves and bark make it easy to identify the tree in landscapes. In addition to these common family characteristics, leaves in this genus are heterophyllous, that is leaves from different parts of the twig can Nov 2, 2023 · Oak tree bark: Engelmann oak tree bark is grayish-brown, smooth on young trees, and develops deep fissures and ridges as it matures. The seven bark types vary from easy to inscrutable. The tree’s stunning clusters of pinkish-purple, pea-like blooms that grow along its twigs and branches in the spring are its most striking feature. May 16, 2024 · It is an important tree for native Maryland wildlife, providing nutrients and sustenance to white-tailed deer, beavers, turkeys, squirrels, and various native birds. Aug 11, 2008 · Willow Oak is a deciduous tree with medium-fine texture and a medium growth rate. This smooth bark provides a beautiful contrast to the tree’s foliage, and some species even exhibit peeling or shedding bark. These maples are best used as street trees and shade trees, and due to their fast growth in the first few years, they should be given plenty of space for their roots and branches to expand. 25” to 2. Tag Alder is a small, deciduous tree that may grow 10 to 15 feet tall. Summer flowers are beautiful, and most have brilliant fall foliage as well. Sometimes the Sweet Birch is mistaken for a Cherry tree. Full grown trees may have flaky bark all the way up into the limbs. The hard wood of the dogwood is used to make spools, small wooden pulleys, and mallet heads. Sep 23, 2023 · The red maple remains an interesting tree to see in the wild, especially for novice arborists. Mar 1, 2022 · Winter Key to Common Native Trees of Virginia, continued. When ash trees are young, the bark is smooth. Young trees have smooth, dark green bark with tiny white dots. Form: A medium sized tree to 80 feet. There are all sorts of trees in Virginia, from towering oaks to delicate dogwoods. Do birch trees grow in Virginia? Jan 3, 2024 · Hackberry Tree Identification. Ash Tree Leaves Jan 22, 2023 · 14 Common Native Oak Trees In Virginia; 6 Purple Trees In Virginia; 4 Common Native Hickory Trees In Virginia; 5 Common Native Maple Trees In Virginia; 3 Common Cedar Trees In Virginia; 8 Native Pine Trees In Virginia; 9 Common Nut Trees In Virginia; 3 Native Elm Trees In Virginia; 2 Native Ash Trees In Virginia; 7 Native Evergreen Trees In Dec 18, 2021 · Trees with white bark are a beautiful addition to the garden at any time of year, however, it is in winter when they truly come alive. Its range in Virginia is mainly the southern and western parts. Its smooth bark protects the tree from insects and ivy, and they can't gain a foothold. It bears waxy pale blue fruit that attracts local wildlife and was historically used in candlemaking, according to the Clemson Co-operative Extension . In some trees, new cork is produced as a thin layer. Their deciduous compound leaves are about 7” long and odd-pinnate with 3 – 9 leaflets. ) London plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia). When the botanical name translates to “poison tree,” it’s best to look, not touch. The smooth bark can sometimes be tinted with flushes of pale pink or blue and flakes away in small pieces. The old layer is then lost in the form of dust. The last feature used to help identify aspen trees is their bark. When it comes to tree bark identification, there are a few things you need to know in order to make an accurate ID. It can be found naturally in wet areas including streambanks and bogs. The leaves are simple, alternate, 5 to 9 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide, broader toward the tip, divided into 7 to 9 lobes, each lobe being somewhat coarsely toothed and bristle-tipped, and firm The bark is smooth and pale on young trees but on older trees the bark can become darker, thick, and deeply furrowed. Both trees perform best in protected locations in the southern half of Iowa. Paperbark maple does best in sheltered locations in central and southern Iowa. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp. May 13, 2022 · Fir Tree Identification (With Pictures) The bark on fir trees is generally smooth and gray when the tree is young. Therefore, non-technical descriptions Apr 29, 2023 · This tree’s twigs have a wintergreen odor, which is one of its distinguishing features. Some smooth-barked trees, like Cherries, Birches and Planes, shed the thin bark in papery strips or plates. (18 m). Serviceberry trees and shrubs are identified by their long oval leaves with finely serrated edges, clusters of showy white 5-petalled flowers, smooth gray bark, and small round edible purple pome fruits. This is a small tree growing to 30 feet and is fairly common at higher elevations. The outmost periderm layer — made up of cork cells that die soon after their protective qualities have developed — is the visible, touchable surface of smooth-barked trees. Flowering dogwood is a beautiful springtime tree with showy flowers. White Bark Pine Credit: Bryant Olsen. Desert Ironwood (olneya Tree identification by bark – smooth or peeling bark. A hybrid offspring of our native sycamore Jan 23, 2023 · The bark on young tree trunks is thin and smooth and has a greenish sheen, while the bark on older trees is deep gray with small cracks and prominent ridges with flat tops. Trunk/Bark. Virginia Department Of Forestry | Shaping Virginia's Forests In Virginia, the flowering dogwood, with its smooth light gray bark and snowy white flowers, is famous for its beauty throughout the state. This tree produces yellow flowers in the spring time! You’ll find these trees in central and southern Arizona. Although not ordinarily recommended or readily available, these trees may be useful to carry out a specific landscape theme, to substitute for an exotic type which is not locally adapted, or may be prized for unusual form, flowers, fruits, bark, or foliage. Jun 10, 2022 · The fresh, glossy green of the foliage is striking against the creamy white bark of the tree. Their smooth bark ranges in color from light gray to dark brown. Some trees have bark that is unique to that species. The top surface of the leaves is a vivid green, while the lower parts are pale and covered in scattered tiny hairs. May 17, 2022 · Whatever the reason, Virginia is a place that people just love to be. The texture of a tree’s bark can also be helpful in identification. Unfortunately, trees with smooth bark are appealing to vandals. The thin bark is light brown to grey, smooth but may be shallowly furrowed and has long, narrow ridges. This tree is mostly found in cool, rich alpine soils. The bark on young stems is smooth, gray to brown, on older trees thick and broken by shallow fissures into regular, flat, smooth-surfaced plates. Caucasian lime trees are medium-sized ornamental trees typically growing up to 60 ft. This plant is able to tolerate drought conditions, poor soil, and high elevations. 6-3. As characteristic of the family, the leaves are alternate, simple, and toothed. As it gets larger it develops a thicker, grayish brown, flaky bark that is heaviest at the base and becomes smoother up the trunk. Aspen bark only sometimes develops grooves and only As is the case with many maples, the gray bark of a sugar maple tree (‌Acer saccharum‌, zones 3 to 8) changes as the tree ages. The most familiar of Virginia’s poisonous plants is poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans. I've seen beech trees sadly defaced by obscenities, carved with a knife into the smooth bark on the tree trunks. Jan 26, 2023 · American Elm trees exist in Virginia, but the population is very low compared to the early 20th century. Virginia Department of Forestry, 01/26/2021 1 Bark Types Smooth (Beech) Flaky (Black Cherry) Blocky (Dogwood) Warty (Hackberry) Interlaced (Mockernut Hickory) Dec 30, 2022 · West Virginia Tree Bark Identification . Bark: At first smooth and gray-green, later turning gray-brown and becoming ridged with long, shallow furrows and flat topped ridges. Japanese dogwood bark Dogwood leaves: Kousa dogwood tree leaves are dark green and elliptic-ovate-shaped, growing up to 4” (10 cm) long and wide. ) ranges from a medium-sized tree to a small shrub depending on the species. On very old trees, the bark becomes gray and coarse with curving deep furrows. From Virginia Tech: Bark: Reddish brown with light lenticels when very young, later turning white, generally smooth but does peel a bit; the base of the tree develops thick bark which splits into narrow, vertical furrows which are nearly black. It is identified by its gray-brown buds that are covered by overlapping scales. In late winter, slim, green, male flowers and red, female flowers mature. Look for distinctive features. 4-5. The bark is smooth and gray-brown with a fluted appearance. It has dark brown bark and smooth, green leaves which are glabrous (having no hair or down on the surface). 1. Mockernut grows in moist bottomlands and near streams. Oct 10, 2023 · The Pinus engelmannii Carr grows in Arizona and one area of New Mexico, with primary distribution in the northern Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Himalayan Birch, Lemon-scented Eucalyptus, and Snow Gum are three examples of smooth bark trees found in Texas, each with their own distinctive features and benefits. American Beech is a fairly common large tree of rich bottomland forests. Apr 16, 2024 · Scrub Hickory is a multi-stemmed shrub or occasionally a medium-sized tree. Found statewide, this species always has compound leaves with Apr 3, 2022 · It is very similar to the more desirable staghorn sumac, but it has smooth rather than velvety bark. With smooth gray bark and diamond-patterned ridges on mature trees, the bitternut hickory has bitter nuts due to the high tannin. 2 the canopy or near the tree. It also provides shelter to many of these animals. It has alternate, ovate leaves that are between 2. Young stems and branches have smooth, lustrous bark that is dark brown with a reddish tint. The American hornbeam is also known as “musclewood” due to its smooth, sinewy, blue-grey bark. 25” (3 – 6 cm) long. Trees with smooth barks. Bark: Bark Color: Light Gray Surface/Attachment: Smooth Bark Plate Shape: Diamond Bark Description: Young trees is smooth with shallow cracks. Other popular varieties of maple trees for gardens are the Amur Maple (Acer ginnala), Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), and the Hedge Maple tree (Acer campestre). All trees are listed with details like identification, habitat, native range, and similar details for better understanding. 1 – 0. BARK on young trees is smooth and shiny, with lenticels, but later becomes scaly. The layers that are part of the outer bark are collectively referred to as the periderm. Feb 26, 2015 · Sassafras trees are unusual among trees because they have three distinctive leaf shapes. The leaves are narrowly oblong or lanceolate, light green and shiny above and pale green below. Immature Black Oak trees have gray, smooth bark, while older trees have dark, rough, and jagged bark. It has a handsome pyramidal form in youth, which becomes rounded to oval in maturity. Apr 28, 2023 · Since 2019, the State Arboretum of Virginia has designated one extraordinary species of tree as its Tree of the Year. Mature trees feature a pyramidal to rounded crown with dense foliage created by the dark green heart-like leaves. The foliage of undulating, elliptic to obovate, glossy green leaves, 2-4 in. The wood of this tree can be used for construction, firewood, and furniture. It has smooth dark bark with delicate leaves and produces small white flowers in the spring that May 19, 2021 · There are many tree species that can be successfully grown in Virginia, but are rarely seen in our landscapes. As seen in the photo (right), these shapes are 1) a simple, unlobed leaf, 2) an asymmetrical leaf resembling a mitten, and 3) a three-lobed leaf. 9 inches long and 1. The leaves are alternate with a wavy, toothed margin and hairy underside. They have a larger trunk diameter than any other native hardwood tree. Many trees have smooth bark, including birch and beech trees (which are also one of the best trees to hang a swing from), but they are not the only ones. The tree is deciduous, its leaves turning orange in autumn before falling off Feb 4, 2023 · Another showy native flowering tree in Virginia, the Eastern Redbud is a short tree that can reach a maximum height of 15 to 30 feet with a trunk diameter of less than a foot. For example, the bark of a red maple is smooth and reddish-brown, while the bark of a white oak is rough and dark brown. Bark of young trees is smooth and green, while older trees have reddish, furrowed bark. As the tree matures, its ashy-gray cracks divide the long, rough, interlaced, rounded ridges that soon split apart. Its gray bark is smooth or grooved. Additionally, the Boxelder Maple tree blooms in the spring with clusters of little yellow-green flowers. Jan 26, 2023 · 14 Common Native Oak Trees In Virginia; 6 Purple Trees In Virginia; 4 Common Native Hickory Trees In Virginia; 5 Common Native Maple Trees In Virginia; 3 Common Cedar Trees In Virginia; 3 Common Birch Trees In Virginia; 8 Native Pine Trees In Virginia; 9 Common Nut Trees In Virginia; 3 Native Elm Trees In Virginia; 7 Native Evergreen Trees In It has smooth gray bark with green leaves. Its multi-stemmed trunks are covered with shiny gray-brown bark. Stem: Stem Color: Brown/Copper Stem Is Aromatic: No Stem Form: Zig Zags Stem Surface: Smooth (glabrous) Stem Description: As the name suggests, smooth bark eucalyptus trees have smooth bark that varies in color and texture depending on the species. Leaves are on short petioles 0. The two most common maples are the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and the red maple (Acer rubrum). But one tree that people often wonder about is the birch tree. The tree has a vast spread of limbs and can grow to be 50-80 feet tall. Bark is usually described by color and texture, and texture descriptions are often subjective rather than technical. Jan 30, 2024 · There are a few ways to identify a tree by its bark. 8” long, with 3 – 7 leaflets. The bark can range from shades of brown and gray to cream or white. Touting white and gray smooth bark and twisty branches, this tree is easy to identify. For example, take the beech tree. Commonly referred to as the Apache pine, this species has dark brown bark, straight branches that curve upwards, and dull green needles that come in bundles of three and sometimes five. Mar 22, 2022 · Serviceberry is a group of small deciduous fruit trees or multi-stemmed shrubs with beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring. Beech bark has suffered the carver's knife through the ages. Feb 25, 2023 · I will walk you through 7 of the most commonly found white bark trees in California including native and non-native species. Carroll Co. As the tree matures, the bark becomes thick and scaly with furrows or ridges running vertically. Often found in thickets produced by root suckering. First, take a close look at the tree’s bark. Taller trees may be found in shady forests, with some reaching heights over 100 feet. West Virginia boasts diverse maple trees: Sugar Maple, prized for fall colors and utility; fast-growing Silver Maple with silver bark; Red Maple, ornamental with red foliage and blooms; Striped Maple, ornamental with striped bark; and Boxelder Maple, lesser-known and fast-growing. 14 Oct 19, 2023 · Despite its less-than-glamorous native habitat, it is an attractive specimen – pale leaves, smooth gray-brown bark, and a rounded, multi-stemmed growth habit. used for jellies and pies and also eaten by wildlife. The pointed, ovate leaves have toothed margins and an asymmetrical, uneven base. Smooth Bark. Bark very dark, with a deep diamond pattern; terminal bud tan and fuzzy; large round, blackened nut husks or wrinkled nuts may be Mar 14, 2022 · It is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 15-25 meters (rarely to 35 meters) tall, with white or pale gray bark, smooth on young trees, becoming scaly on old trees. Inner bark has an unpleasant odor. May 17, 2024 · Yellow poplar’s leaves are also somewhat tulip shaped. It has large shiny dark-green pinnate leaves, each with 11 to 31 leaflets arranged in a fern-like pattern. Old trees may be surrounded by a ring of young beech. The strips can be seen to spiral around the trunk. Oak tree leaves: Engelmann oak tree leaves are dark bluish-green, leathery, and have wavy, smooth margins. And part of what makes Virginia so special are the trees. If you're looking for a tree to plant beside the street or road, a smooth-barked tree may not be the best choice. Stem: Stem Color: Brown/Copper Stem Is Aromatic: No Stem Form: Zig Zags Stem Surface: Smooth (glabrous) Stem Description: Jan 22, 2020 · American beech is a "strikingly handsome" tree with tight, smooth and skin-like light gray bark. , VA 10 But not all bark is created equal: Some trees have thin, smooth bark while others have thick, craggy bark that can be difficult for predators to get through. 8 – 11. Mar 16, 2023 · Shagbark hickory trees have gray peeling bark giving the large slender trunk a disheveled look. Feb 19, 2023 · Ash tree bark is light gray with recognizable diamond-shaped patterns. Twigs are puberulent with spreading hairs but occasionally become hairless with age. Bitternut Hickory. Oct 11, 2022 · Dogwood bark: Kousa dogwood tree bark is thin and smooth that peels to give the bark a distinctive mottled appearance. As species of ash trees mature, the bark becomes rougher and develops shallow fissures. 5. Twigs NATIVE TREES AND LARGE SHRUBS ­ FOR THE WASHINGTON, D. They measure 4 to 6 inches in diameter and have four lobes and smooth margins. Feb 23, 2024 · The American Sycamore is a water-loving tree, finding its home by creeks, streams, and other water sources. As alder trees mature, the bark may become somewhat darker. 3” long. pendula (European white birch) bark is also described as being smooth and only somewhat peely. White mulberry has a short trunk that is often crooked and forms a rounded crown with a dense canopy of spreading branches. Sep 22, 2023 · The tree’s bark is smooth and gray-brown, with roughness and ridges that form as it ages. Also, look for the muscular roots which often remind one of creature legs and arms. It has smooth, cinnamon-colored bark that peels off in paper-sized sheets. It becomes dull, heavily wrinkled, and broken into huge, uneven, scaly plates on old trunks. Bark: Dark brown bark that is broken into small square plates. Mature ash bark is a dark gray, resembling a mature oak tree. Sand Hickory American beech trees (family Fagaceae) grow an average height of 50 – 70 feet with a trunk diameter up to three feet across. Nov 1, 2018 · B. Leaf buds are dark reddish-brown. This tree has slick, light gray bark when it is small. The Black Cherry tree can grow up to 90 feet tall with a crown width of 40ft. In honor of Arbor Day, “the nation’s tree planting holiday,” Blandy arborists and representatives from the Department of Forestry will plant an Allegheny Serviceberry tree at the Arboretum on Friday, April 28. This results in smooth bark like the Common Beech and Hornbeam. Shagbarks can grow up to 120 ft. Feel the bark. They have a pyramid-shaped crown and large, pinnately compound leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. larger. Leaves: Opposite, elliptical leaves 2. The furrows on the bark may create a distinctive diamond-shaped or interlacing pattern, particularly on older trees. However, in order to grow this type of smooth bark, the bark has to be grown very slowly. The bark is very fibrous. 18’ x 12’ or smaller. Mar 7, 2024 · Japanese maple is a small tree (usually less than 25 feet tall) with a fine texture and year round appeal. 5-5" long (6-13 cm). While this bark is in transition and smooth patches of bark are still Apr 16, 2024 · Identifying Aspen Trees by Their Unique Bark. long (5-10 cm), turns yellow-brown in the fall. Look for the smooth, grayish bark that has warty growths growing on projecting ridges. Most attractive, Alnus serrulata (Smooth Alder) is a large, spreading deciduous shrub or small tree of pyramidal habit with a densely branched canopy. Small clusters of white flowers appear in spring amongst the foliage, which adds an extra dimension of interest. 8. Bark and leaves can be used to tan leather because they are rich in tannin 5 . Young bark is dark gray and smooth, while mature bark has deep furrows and rough Smooth bark trees have cultural significance and have been used in traditional medicine practices for centuries, with many uses beyond their aesthetic appeal. Jul 19, 2023 · Walnut tree bark: Butternut tree bark is gray and smooth when the tree is young and only becomes rough and fissured when the walnut tree is mature. Nov 3, 2023 · There are about 128 species of maple trees in the Acer plant genus. The combination of its showy spring, summer and fall foliage, smooth bark, and interesting form make is suitable for specimen tree status. Apr 13, 2024 · Fragrant Ash is a usually multi-trunked shrub or small tree with slender, hairless branches and smooth to slightly cross-checked bark. AREA ­ Native trees are some of the most beloved plants for the shade, beauty, screening, environmental benefits, and wildlife habitat they provide. Is it smooth or does it have a rough texture? If it’s smooth, does it have any patterns or markings on it? If so, what do they look like? The bark on youthful trees is smooth, hard, chestnut brown colored, rapidly getting to be gray and rough (as seen in the picture). From Virgil to Daniel Boone Apr 13, 2024 · Fragrant Ash is a usually multi-trunked shrub or small tree with slender, hairless branches and smooth to slightly cross-checked bark. Bark: The bark is smooth, thin, and gray in color even on the largest stems. The flowers are produced in catkins. On adult and mature trees, the bark is grayish-brown colored and is broken into short, thin, vertical strips that are free at both closures. The bark is ridged and gray, sometimes peeling with age. Petioles have coarse hairs and scales in the spring, becoming hairless. Jan 17, 2023 · The bark of the Boxelder Maple tree is smooth and gray, with a few little bumps here and there. Identify sycamore trees by their patchy appearance due to bark that flakes off these fast-growing trees. C. In early to mid-spring, long, pendant, pale yellow male Documenting and Preserving Virginia's Largest, Most Revered Trees "Virginia is home to nearly 80 national champion big trees, consistently placing the commonwealth in the top five states with the most documented champion trees, or trees that have grown to be the largest specimens of their particular species," the Virginia Mercury article reports. Aspen bark is unique in the Populus genus, remaining mostly smooth its entire life, unlike cottonwood or poplar, which both tend to have thick gray bark that becomes deeply grooved. Smooth sumac is the only tree or shrub-like species native to all 48 contiguous states¹ . The leaves and yellowish flower clusters grow on slender zigzag branches. Compound leaves are 7. As the tree ages, bark develops flat, sharp-edged ridges that form diamonds and x's. Mar 11, 2019 · The changes from young to old are hardly noticeable on some species, and on others it is hard to believe that the pictures are of the same species! Some older trees exhibit all three growth stages from the old bark at the base of the tree to the younger bark on the branches at the top. wx vg ph qg gz of ih ho di al