When I was growing up, my grandparents' house was a magical place to visit. There was a tree full of luscious nectarines, my favorite fruit. Stepping stones covered in soft mounds of baby's tears led to a side yard. There was also a tree that had white bark that we could peel off. I also loved to take off its seed clusters and rub off all the seeds.

My grandparents moved a long time ago, so I can't verify what tree that was. However, there's a good chance it was this week's tree :paper bark birch. This deciduous tree is often chosen specifically for its creamy white peeling bark. The leaves will also add a lovely gold or yellow hue to your yard in the fall. Paper bark birch is certainly a tree you will always remember, as I do 20 years later.