Common name:Madrone
Botanical name:Arbutus menziesii
Arbutus menziesii has a smooth trunk with lovely, peeling bronze-colored bark. Shiny dark-green, oval, toothed foliage covers the tree. Showy white spring flowers are followed by red berries. This evergreen tree can reach 30-50' tall and 15-25' wide. This Oregon native does best in full sun with acidic, well draining soil. Peeling bark makes this tree a bit messy. This tree is difficult to establish; it must be planted in very well-draining soil. Established trees need no summer watering. Prune to thin the interior of the tree to increase air circulation.
Designer: Portland Japanese Garden
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
