Landscape - Plants with Interesting Winter Features IV

The following is a continuation of the series on plants with winter interest for use in the landscape.

Northern Bayberry, Myrica pennsylvania
Bayberry is found growing naturally close to the ocean, and thus is highly salt tolerant. It thrives in poor, sterile, sandy soils, but is extremely adaptable to a variety of soil types. The plant is deciduous to semi-evergreen, so it may hold its leathery leaves through winter in some parts of the state. Clusters of gray-blue berries are borne in great quantities along the stems of the female plants. These berries are used in making bayberry candles.


Northern bayberry, photo by Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulturalist, Bugwood.org

Amur chokecherry, Prunus maackii
The cinnamon red to yellow brown color of the bark is a very attractive addition to the dull colors of winter.

Amur chokecherry, photo by The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis vernalis
A lovely yellow flowered multi-stemmed shrub that starts to flower before Christmas and often lasts until March with a strong fragrance.

Vernal Witchhazel, photo by The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org

Corkscrew willow, Salix matsudana
Bent and twisted branches make for an unusual look in the cold winter months.

Large Corkscrew willow tree, note the twisted branches

Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides
This is a larger, deciduous evergreen with an appealing textured bark that seems to peel like a cedar.

Dawn Redwood, Photo by Richard Carter, Valdosta State University, Bugwood.org