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Arbutus menziesii

Madrona

Plant photo of: Arbutus menziesii
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer:

 

Description

One of the most attractive of all California broadleafs, Arbutus menziesii, or Pacific Madrone, has a smooth trunk with lovely, peeling red bark highlighted by shiny green, oval, toothed foliage and showy white spring flowers followed by red berries. This tree can reach 50' tall but looks more like a large shrub in inland valley areas. It prefers acid, well draining soil and afternoon shade. It does well under oak trees. Make sure you mulch this tree.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

40-60'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Half, Shade

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Acid

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, With Rocks

Special Uses

Screen

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Watering every day results in shallow roots.

Instead, water deeply every few days using the Cycle and Soak method (two or more short run times, each separated by about an hour).