Arbutus menziesii   Madrone

Ericaceae

From California and elsewhere in North America. Design height is 30', mature height is 80'. Moderate growth multi-trunked evergreen tree. Genus Arbutus has about 14 species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Ericaceae also contains heathers, manzanita, huckleberry, cranberries, blueberries, etc. Entire family has alternate arrangement. Simple leaves, 3 to 6" long, 1 1/2" to 3" wide, dark green and glossy, entire to serrulate and elliptic, ovate. Color of bark is characteristic of family, along with bell-shaped flowers (Rhododendrons are an exception). Flowers: panicles, dark green, 1/3", blooms March through May. Fruit: 1/2" green to red/orange berries in summer/fall (edible). A. menziesii vs. A. 'Marina': A. 'Marina' leaves are more toothed, A. menziesii has more of a pink tinge to bark. 'Marina' taller. A 'Marina' flowers pinker. Prefers full sun, light water, sandy and rocky soil. Tolerates drought, poor soil and heat. Thin out to maintain shape. Propagates from cuttings and seeds. Can be messy in a hardscape. Uses: Outdoor lighting (?), specimen, garden tree, grove tree, soil anchor. Photo on left taken at Strybing; photos on right and below at Filoli..