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Arbutus unedo

Image of Arbutus unedo

Felder Rushing

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

Arbutus unedo

Plant Common Name

Strawberry Tree

General Description

The elegant strawberry tree is best distinguished by its highly ornamental fruits that turn from gold to red. It is a broad, upright large shrub or small tree native to southern European and the eastern Mediterranean with an adjunct population in Ireland. Like many members of the heath family (Ericaceae), it favors moist, rich, slightly acid soil but will also tolerate summer drought. Mature specimens adopt an appealing vase-shaped habit and gnarled branches.

Fully evergreen, ovate leaves of dark green cover the tree. These have a leathery texture and may be susceptible to sun scald and wind desiccation in winter. The mature stems are lined with gray bark that peels away to reveal a nice cinnamon brown layer beneath. Bloom time is variable depending on geographic location, but most flower in autumn. The pendulous clusters of urn-shaped flowers are creamy white and pollinated by bees. They give rise to the colorful "strawberry" fruits the following autumn. It is not uncommon for plants to have flowers and fruit at the same time. The fruits are edible but don't taste good.

Strawberry tree grows best in full to partial sun and fertile soil with a slightly acid to neutral pH. It is quite drought tolerant once established. Growth tend to be better where summers are dry and winter weather is cool and wet. Shelter from winter winds and in more arid regions provide more shade and irrigation in autumn. Strawberry tree is a good choice for Oceanside plantings and makes a lovely specimen plant for yard and garden.

There are many desirable cultivated varieties to choose from, particularly compact forms. The dwarf selections, 'Elfin King' and 'Compacta' are reliable and attractive as is the dwarf, pink-flowered, 'Oktoberfest.'

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    20'-25' / 6.1m - 7.6m

  • Width

    20'-25' / 6.1m - 7.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Fall

  • Native To

    Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Orange, Orange Red, Sienna, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes