Birch Trees With Peeling, Brown Bark on the Trunk

• A favorite of tree enthusiasts around the world, birch trees are known for their unique, papery bark and graceful foliage. Birch trees grow naturally in the wild in many parts of the world but are also planted as ornamental trees in landscapes, parks and gardens. Though healthy, well-maintained birch trees can live for up to fifty years, many die before they reach full maturity. Several birch varieties have peeling, brown bark on their trunks at some point during their development.

River Birch

• Native to the Southern United States where it grows along the Mississippi River, the river birch (betula nigra) begins its life with pinkish, salmon-colored bark that becomes reddish brown as the tree ages. River birch grows best in USDA Hardiness Zone 4 to 6 and can grow as far north as St. Paul, Minnesota. This tree prefers more acidic soil and should not be planted in alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 or higher. River birch grows best in wetter soils but can also survive in dry soils. This tree is resistant to a pest known as bronze birch borer but is susceptible to the birch leaf miner.

Chinese Red Birch

• Introduced to Europe in 1901, the Chinese red birch (Betula albosinensis) is a native tree species of central and western China. Its peeling bark is usually a reddish copper color, though it will turn to shades of brown, orange, pink and purplish grey in different developmental stages and climates. Chinese red birch trees grow to roughly 50 feet when planted and almost double that in their natural habitat. The tree's thin bark usually peels off during the wintertime, often revealing deeper and more colorful shades. Due to its relatively sparse foliage, Chinese red birch is a good choice for gardens, as it will allow for partial sun exposure.

Yellow Birch

• This native of the Great Lakes and Northeast regions has peeling yellow-orange that becomes reddish brown as the tree ages. Yellow birch (betula alleghaniensis) is a lesser known birch variety that's not widely available in nurseries, though you can find it through certain specimen tree venders. This tree needs some sun exposure but well survive in more shade than the majority of birch varieties. Yellow birch also needs moist soils and a cool climate to thrive. Yellow birches are moderately susceptible bit resistant to birch leafminers.