Arbutus unedo

Plant Family

Ericaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Arbutus unedo

Photo by: FELDER RUSHING

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 most members of the heath family (Ericaceae), it favors organic-rich, slightly acid soil. 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 Moisture

  Well Drained

• 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