Arbutus menziesii
Madrona
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).