What is a madrone tree? Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is a dramatic, unique tree that provides beauty to the landscape all year long. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to grow madrone trees.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Arbutus menziesii or Pacific madrone (commonly madrone or madrona in the United States and arbutus in Canada), is a species of broadleaf evergreen tree in the family Ericaceae. It has waxy foliage, a contorted growth habit, and flaky bark.
It is native to the western coastal areas of North America, from British Columbia to California.
It is nicknamed the “refrigerator tree” due to the fact that its bark contains water, and it stays cool in the summer.
In Canada, it is simply referred to as arbutus. It is known in the United States as the madrona, madrone, madroño, madroña, or bearberry. The name strawberry tree (A. unedo) may also be found in relation to A. menziesii (though it has no relation to the strawberry fruit).
According to the Sunset Western Garden Book, in the United States, the name “madrone” is more common south of the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and Northern California and the name “madrona” is more common north of the Siskiyous. The Concow tribe calls the tree dis-tā’-tsi (Konkow language) or kou-wät′-chu. Its species name was given it in honor of the Scottish naturalist Archibald Menzies, who noted it during George Vancouver’s voyage of exploration.
Arbutus menziesii is an evergreen tree about 10 to 25 metres (33 to 82 feet) in height, but in the right conditions up to 30 m (98 ft). The trunk is usually about 60 centimetres (24 inches) thick. The thin bark is a rich orange-red, and when mature naturally peels away in thin sheets, leaving a greenish, silvery appearance that has a smooth satin sheen. Older trunks are gray-brown near the base. Individual trees can live for over 300 years.
The leaves are thick with a waxy texture, elliptical, 7 to 15 cm (2+3⁄4 to 6 in) long and 4 to 8 cm (1+1⁄2 to 3+1⁄4 in) broad, arranged spirally; they are glossy dark green above and a lighter, more grayish green beneath, with an entire margin. The leaves are evergreen, lasting a few years before detaching. Some second-year leaves turn orange to red and detach in the autumn. In the north of its range, wet winters often promote a brown to black leaf discoloration due to fungal infections; the stain lasts until the leaves naturally detach at the end of their lifespan.
In spring, the tree bears spray small white to pink bell-like flowers, and in autumn, red berries.
The trees are difficult to transplant and a seedling should be set in its permanent spot while still small. Transplant mortality becomes significant once a madrone is more than 30 cm (1 ft) tall. The site should be sunny (south- or west-facing slopes are best), well drained, and lime-free (although occasionally a seedling will establish itself on a shell midden). In its native range, a tree needs no extra water or food once it has become established. Water and nitrogen fertilizer will boost its growth, but at the cost of making it more susceptible to disease.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Soil
Pacific madrone is easily grown in average, acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It tolerates the widest variety of soils and climates, but appreciates good drainage. Drought tolerance once established.
Watering
Pacific madrone thrives in its native environment, which often features dry summers and wet winters. This species is well-adapted to periods of drought and typically prefers drier conditions, with a moderate tolerance for humidity. Its watering needs are best met with a schedule of once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil has time to dry out between waterings. Pacific madrone is commonly grown outdoors due to its resilience and adaptation to various climate zones, making it an excellent candidate for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
Fertilizing
For pacific madrone, a balanced nutrition fertilizer is best applied yearly in early spring, aiding in robust growth and flourishing. If growth is sluggish, high-nitrogen fertilizer can encourage vigor, but sparingly to avoid burn. Gradually incorporate into the topsoil around pacific madrone’s drip line, ensuring a moderate quantity, as over-fertilization can harm this typically low-maintenance species. Seasonal growth spurts or signs of deficiency should guide adjustments in fertilization practices.
Propagation
Pacific madrone is best propagated in spring through methods such as cutting and layering. Moderate difficulty may be experienced, but successful propagation is marked by root development and new growth. Adequate moisture and well-draining soil enhance success.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant your pacific madrone is during late-winter to early-spring, as dormancy ends and vigorous growth begins, ensuring a successful relocation. A sunny to partially-shaded location with well-drained soil is ideal. Please remember, pacific madrone can be sensitive while transplant, so gentle handling is key!
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
The spectacular pacific madrone provides never-ending ornamental value in Mediterranean or wildlife gardens. Its curling red bark and glossy green leaves make this tree a wonderful centerpiece in garden arrangements. Birds and butterflies are drawn to the showy spring flowers and clustering fall berries. Planting this tree can also help with conservation efforts.
- Medicinal uses
Bark and leaves were used to treat stomach aches, cramps, skin ailments, and sore throats. The bark was often made into a tea to be drunk for these medicinal purposes.
- Culinary uses
Native Americans ate the berries raw and cooked, but because the berries have a high tannin content and are thus astringent, they more often chewed them or made them into a cider.
- Other uses
The wood is durable and has a warm color after finishing, so it has become more popular as a flooring material, especially in the Pacific Northwest. An attractive veneer can also be made from the wood. However, because large pieces of madrona lumber warp severely and unpredictably during the drying process, they are not used much. Madrone is burned for firewood, though, since it is a very hard and dense wood that burns long and hot, surpassing even oak in this regard. The Saanich people of British Columbia have a prohibition against burning arbutus due to its salvific role in their creation myths; an arbutus anchored their canoes to the world during the deluge.
Early Californian settlers may have used charcoal from the species to make gunpowder.
Native Americans also use the berries to make necklaces and other decorations, and as bait for fishing (as did the Karuk people to catch steelhead).
