The Peeling Trees

 I am fascinated by the peeling bark of the Madrone trees.  Frequently called Manzanita, and in the same family, but the Madrones are generally bigger and more tree-like while Manzanita is more shrub like.  Each late spring, the bark begins to curl and fall off.  I find myself photographing it each year, intrigued

by the patterns, the colors, and the contrast between the thin, curling bark and the very dense, and colorful tree underneath.

It is believed that the peeling is a defense for the tree.  It has provided the conduit for nutrients for the tree growth earlier, and now sheds the bark to protect against beetles, fungus, and disease.   

Besides the bark, I also love the shape of the older branches, dead and living intertwined, the textures of grey dead wood and shiny mahogany color of living, holes providing storage space for the common acorn woodpeckers of my home, and holes for other birds to nest in.

So, here is a photo essay of these beautiful trees.  Several are on my site.  Others are next door or on the hill below me.  

Hope you find them as fascinating as I do.  And as worthy of photographing.