Tree of the Week: Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) VOLUME II

Not long ago we reviewed the yearly progress of an idiosyncratic native tree. The parsley hawthorn has interesting leaves, beautiful bark, and a noteworthy (bad) smell! Crataegus marshallii is especially important to the arboretum because it is found in healthy, stable populations in Caddo Parish's wild places. This week we're taking a second look at the arboretum's specimens and focusing on the bark.

Most of the year this tree has a beautiful, handsome, mottled bark. During high Spring, a change comes over specimens of this species that are still actively growing. Old bark is sloughed off, and fresh bark is revealed. Both the inside of the old bark and the outside of the new bark are a rich, velvety orange. Catch it while you can! As the new bark ages, it loses the orange color and takes on the familiar mottling of grey, brown, and green. Enjoy the photos below!