Pacific Madrone

(Arbutus menziesii)

Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada

CC BY 2.0

Image By: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Arbutus menziesii, commonly known as Pacific Madrone, is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet) and is native to the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It is also found in British Columbia. The tree’s natural habitat includes dry slopes, canyons, and the edges of evergreen forests, often on rocky, well-drained soils. The trunk, which can be up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in diameter, is notable for its rich orange-red bark that peels away in thin sheets, revealing a smooth, greenish-silvery sheen on younger wood, while older trunks are gray-brown near the base. The thick, waxy, elliptical leaves are evergreen, persisting for several years before detaching. Some leaves may turn orange to red and fall off in autumn. In spring, Pacific Madrone produces sprays of small, white to pink, bell-shaped flowers that are moderately showy, followed by red berries in autumn that dry up and have hooked barbs for animal dispersal.

The Pacific Madrone is valued for its striking bark, evergreen foliage, and its ability to thrive with minimal care once established, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings and reforestation projects. It is also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes for its unique appearance and drought tolerance. This species requires full sun and well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. It is drought-tolerant and does not require additional water or fertilizer once established; however, supplemental water and nitrogen can increase growth but may also increase susceptibility to disease. Transplanting is difficult, and seedlings should be placed in their permanent location while small to avoid transplant shock.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 20-50 feet
Width: 20-50 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Coastal regions, dry slopes, canyons, and edges of evergreen forests

Other Names

Common Names: Pacific Arbutus , Madrona , Madroño , Arbousier D’Amérique , Arbousier De Menzies , Kaliforniskt Smultronträd , Madrone

Scientific Names: Arbutus menziesii , Arbutus procera , Arbutus menziesii var. elliptica , Arbutus menziesii var. oblongifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Arbutus menziesii Pursh