David L. Morgan
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Arbutus menziesii
Plant Common Name
Madrone, Madronio
General Description
Madrone is a large round-headed tree with amazing smooth cinnamon-colored bark that flakes from the trunk. Small white or pink flowers emerge in early summer on this tree native to the Pacific coast in the western United States. Red and orange fruits develop over the next year, ripening that second autumn. Bees pollinate the flowers.
Madrone is best suited to climates matching its native habitat. Acidic, well-drained soils in a climate that is cool and dry in summer and cool and wet in winter is ideal. Once established, the tree is drought tolerant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
20'-100' / 6.1m - 30.5m
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Width
45'-50' / 13.7m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer
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Native To
North America, Western United States, California
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Red, Brown, Sienna
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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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
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
