Arbutus menziesii

Botanical Name: Arbutus menziesii
Common Name: Madrone

Beautiful broad-leaved tree with reddish bark. White spring flowers are bell shaped and are followed by red berries. In southern California it has a shrub-like habit similar to toyon. In northern climates, it is much larger (50-100').

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Plant Family: Ericaceae

Plant Type: Shrub/Tree

Height by Width: 15'+ H x 10' W"

Growth Habit: Upright, tall and slender

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Slow

Sun Exposure: Part sun

Soil Preference: Well-draining

Water Requirements: Occasional to moderate

Cold Hardy to: 5000'

Flower Season: Spring

Flower Color: White

Endangered?: Not Listed

Distribution: Northwestern California, High Cascade Range, North and Central High Sierra Nevada, Santa Cruz Island, Western Transverse Ranges, San Gabriel Mountains, Peninsular Ranges, to British Columbia and Baja CA.

Natural Habitat: Canyons and wooded slopes. Elevation: below 5000'"

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Care and Maintenance

History

• From California Native Plants, Theodore Payne's 1941 catalog: "A particularly handsome tree with smooth red bark, large glossy green leaves and clusters of white urn-shaped fragrant flowers. The orange red berries appear late in fall and are very attractive. Prefers a north exposure in rich soil and a fair amount of moisture but good drainage. Gallon cans, $1.00."

Other Names

References

• Bornstein, Carol, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien. California Native Plants for the Garden. Los Olivos, CA: Cachuma Press. 2005.

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