Madrones

Madrones are evergreen trees and shrubs in the genus Arbutus, known for their distinctive peeling bark, glossy leaves, and red or orange berries. They occur in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with notable populations in western North America and around the Mediterranean. The best-known species are the Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) and the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo); additional species are found in Europe, North Africa, western Asia, and the Americas.

Madrones vary in size from small trees to larger shrubs, often reaching several meters in height. Their trunks are typically smooth and may peel in thin sheets to reveal fresh, colorful underbark. Leaves are evergreen, oval, and leathery. In late spring or early summer, they produce panicles of urn-shaped flowers that are usually white to pink. The fruits ripen in autumn and are red to orange berries that are edible, though often bland.

They prefer well-drained soils and a range of habitats, including coastal bluffs, open woodlands, oak woodlands, and coniferous forests. They are adapted to drought and exposure to wind and can be long-lived. Ecologically, madrones can serve as nurse trees for conifers and provide habitat for a variety of epiphytes, insects, and birds. In cultivation, they are valued for year-round visual interest due to their bark, evergreen foliage, and seasonal fruit.

Uses and threats: The fruit of some species is consumed fresh or processed into jams and liqueurs. Wood has limited commercial use but is noted for durability. Some populations face threats from habitat loss, wildfires, and pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi, which can cause root and crown diseases in certain regions.