A burl is a dense, knotty outgrowth from a tree, a type of callus tissue formed in response to damage (like fire, insect, or fungal attacks) or environmental stress. Although a burl is a form of tree damage, it looks like an interesting natural design.
An unusual, but 300-million-year-old fossil sculpture (with a description) framing the tree and its reflection at the Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, North Carolina
Spring is a time to grow. The Yoshino Cherry is one of the showiest Flowering Cherry trees. The flowers bloom before the foliage appears, an abundance of delicate white to pink flowers. Here is an image of the tree beginning to grow blossoms.
Japanese camellia is an evergreen woody shrub or small tree in the Theaceae (tea) family. Native to China, Korea, and parts of Japan, it has become a southern gardening favorite.