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Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there are certain trees around the world that stand out for their looks. Some are renowned for their gracefully cascading branches, others for their brilliant seasonal colors, and still others for the harmony between their form and foliage. When considering the world’s prettiest trees, there are several factors like shape, color, texture, and setting to take into account. Ultimately the prettiest tree is a subjective decision, but there are a few undeniably stunning trees that stand out as top contenders.
Shape and Form
The overall shape and form of a tree contributes greatly to its beauty. Trees with elegant silhouettes, interesting branch patterns, and a balanced shape tend to be more visually appealing. Here are some of the most beautifully shaped trees in the world:
Weeping Willow
The weeping willow is renowned for its graceful, cascading branches that sweep gracefully downwards. The drooping branches and elongated leaves create a soft, flowing appearance. Native to China, weeping willows are now grown around the world, often near ponds or streams where their trailing branches can dip into the water.
Birch
Birch trees have lovely slender trunks and open, triangular-shaped canopies. Their branches seem to almost dance upward, creating an airy and delicate look. Birches grow around the globe in many varieties, but the paper bark birch is one of the most stunning with its white papery bark adding to its beauty.
Maple
Maples are cherished for their gorgeous leaf shapes and vibrant fall colors. But they also have elegantly tiered branching structures with delicate leaves that flutter in the breeze. Certain types like the Ruby Horsechestnut have beautifully rounded, umbrella-like canopies, while weeping varieties have gracefully cascading branches.
Cherry Blossom
During cherry blossom season, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of these trees. Clouds of delicate pink or white flowers adorn their branches, creating a magical look. The striking contrast between the bold tree trunks and light floral displays is visually captivating.
Foliage
The specific leaf shape, flower, fruit, or cone type also contributes to a tree’s beauty. Trees with delicate foliage, vibrant colors, or interesting shapes and patterns tend to catch the eye. Here are some of the most gorgeous leaf displays:
Japanese Maple
An exquisite choice loved for its delicately shaped leaves that spread out like the fingers of a hand. There are hundreds of varieties, often with intricately lobed, deeply cut leaves in hues of red, orange, or purple that put on a stunning show in autumn.
Ginkgo
Also called a maidenhair tree, ginkgos are identifiable by their fan-shaped leaves. These billowy, green fronds flutter elegantly in the wind, complementing the conical shape of these striking trees. In fall, some varieties glow golden yellow.
Tulip Tree
Named for its tulip-like flowers, these towering trees also have unique star-shaped leaves that turn golden in fall. The lyrical shape of the leaves and their flickering dance in the breeze make a beautiful sight.
Oak
Mighty oaks have commanding, curved branches dotted with oval-shaped lobed leaves. The leaves often have a glossy texture, creating lovely contrasting patterns of light and dark. Oaks take on maroons, reds, and russets in autumn that complement their sturdy stature.
Color
Vibrant colors also boost a tree’s beauty. Striking leaf hues, multicolored flowers, stems, and bark make for captivating presentations. Here are some of the most vibrantly colored trees:
Redbud
These eastern North American trees dazzle in springtime with a profusion of bright pink to purple flowers that cover their branching formations before leaves emerge. The flowers offer a welcome pop of color after winter.
Jacaranda
When in bloom, the canopy of jacaranda trees becomes a sea of vibrant purple. Their trumpet-shaped flowers completely envelop the branches in breathtaking color. Though brief, this intense floral show makes them one of the world’s most eye-catching trees.
Saucer Magnolia
The saucer magnolia’s flowers emerge in early spring before its leaves, creating a stunning display of color ranging from soft pink to luminous white. The flowers have a distinctive shape, like upturned saucers, that adds to their appeal.
Crape Myrtle
These summer-blooming trees are leaved in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, yielding an almost psychedelic effect when in full bloom together. Their vibrant frilly flowers and multi-hued fall leaves make them year-round showstoppers.
Setting
The setting and location of a tree also factor into its perceived beauty. Specimen trees in parks, recreational areas, and other sites where they can be viewed and appreciated tend to have enhanced appeal:
Yosemite Tunnel Tree
This towering sequoia became a sensation in Yosemite National Park for its enormous size and the fact that a tunnel was cut through its trunk, allowing cars to pass through. Though now fallen, its imposing form and setting made it exceptionally majestic.
The Dark Hedges
This enchanting avenue of beech trees in Northern Ireland forms a stunning arched canopy overhead. Their twisting gnarled branches intertwine to create a magical tunnel effect along the entire road.
Angel Oak
Estimated at 500-1500 years old, this massive live oak tree spreads out over 17,000 square feet near Charleston, South Carolina. Its elegantly curved low branches and moss-draped form make it a captivating specimen.
Joshua Trees
Dotting the stark Mojave Desert landscape, these alien-looking succulents have spiky tufted branches that spread out like octopus tentacles. Their unique shapes stand out starkly against the rocky desert backdrop.
Conclusion
There are so many beautifully shaped, colored, and located trees across the globe that it’s difficult to select just one prettiest tree. However, a few that stand out for their exceptional grace, vibrancy, and setting include:
– Weeping willow – Beloved for its cascading, flowing branches and soft form.
– Japanese maple – Stunning delicate foliage in hues of red, orange, and purple.
– Saucer magnolia – Light pink blooms in early spring have an elegant, upturned saucer shape.
– Crape myrtle – Vibrant red, pink, and purple flowers in summer and multi-hued fall leaves.
– Angel oak – Ancient spreading live oak with gracefully curved branches in South Carolina.
– Yoshino cherry – Clouds of light pink or white flowers create an ethereal floral display.
While beauty is subjective, these trees exemplify traits like elegant form, vibrant colors, interesting shapes, and harmonious structure that define the world’s most visually stunning trees. Their extravagant beauty through the seasons gives them universal appeal.