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
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.