The
Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), also known as Madrona or Arbutus, is a distinctive, broadleaf evergreen tree native to the Pacific coast of North America. It is renowned for its peeling,, orange-red bark and its role in local ecosystems.
Key Facts about the Madrone Tree:
Appearance & Characteristics:
Bark: Famous for its smooth, red-orange bark that peels away in thin sheets during summer, revealing a satin-smooth, green or silver inner bark.
Leaves & Flowers: Features leathery, dark green elliptical leaves and small, white-to-pink, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring.
Fruit: Produces clusters of small, bright red-orange, berries in autumn that are a major food source for birds and mammals.
Growth: Generally 33–82 feet (10–25 m) tall, but can reach over 100 feet in ideal conditions.
Habitat & Distribution:
Range: Native to the western coast of North America, from British Columbia (Vancouver Island) down through Washington and Oregon to Southern California.
Environment: Prefers well-drained, sunny, rocky, or dry sites and is often found on bluffs and slopes.
Hardiness: Extremely drought-tolerant and adapted to Mediterranean climates.
Ecology & Wildlife:
Wildlife Value: The berries attract many birds (robins, waxwings, pigeons) and mammals (bears, deer, raccoons).
Fire Adaptation: The tree has a woody, underground "burl" that allows it to sprout again after fires.
"Refridgerator Tree": It is sometimes called this because its bark contains water and feels cool to the touch in summer.
Cultural & Human Uses:
Indigenous Uses: Native American tribes used the berries for food (often as cider) and bait, while bark and leaves were used for medicine.
Wood: The wood is very hard and heavy, often used for firewood, though it is prone to warping.
Symbolism: It is often considered a "tree of knowledge" or a symbol of resilience because it bends to find the sun.
Conservation & Threats:
Decline: The tree is declining in many areas due to fire suppression (which allows conifer competitors to overtake it), urban development, and sensitivity to soil compaction or changes in drainage.
Diseases: Susceptible to various fungi, including Phytophthora(sudden oak death) and stem cankers.
Cultivation:
Difficult to Transplant: Madrones have a very low survival rate when transplanted and should be planted as small seedlings in their final, sunny location.