Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
ARBUTUS arizonica
Plant Common Name
Arizona Madrone
General Description
A picturesque tree, the Arizona madrone develops a rounded crown of leathery foliage atop a twisting frame of branches. Clusters of tiny white flowers are followed by edible reddish fruits. This evergreen is native to the forested foothills and lower mountains of southern Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico.
The satiny oval leaves are long, narrow and persist on the tree for about one year before being shed. Each leaf is medium to deep green with a paler green underside. Leaf edges may or may not be toothed. Clusters of tiny white to pale pink, urn-shaped flowers occur from late winter to spring, and occasionally again in summer. Bees pollinate the blossoms, which then develop into small, orange-red fruits. The fruits are edible but should be left for wildlife to enjoy. Mature specimens develop textured bark that breaks off into plates and flakes away leaving smooth patches of pale gray and pinkish bark. New twigs are green and turn reddish brown as they mature.
Grow the Arizona madrone in abundant sunshine and a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It grows successfully in slightly acid to alkaline ground. Though tolerant of drought, it performs better if provided some soil moisture in the heat of summer. Never plant this tree in shade or soggy soils. Plant it as a specimen tree in a rocky hillside garden or open upland landscape.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
18'-45' / 5.5m - 13.7m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Twisted/Contorted
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Red, Coral, Orange Red, Dark Salmon
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sienna, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Platy
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Shade Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes