Common Name: Madrona

General Information

Arbutus menziesii is an evergreen shrub or a tree with a broad, spreading crown; it often has more than one main trunk, usually growing from 4 - 10 metres tall, exceptionally to 40 metres[, ]. The bole is curved - in larger trees it can be 60 - 100cm in diameter[].
The tree has a range of uses and so is often harvested from the wild as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is very ornamental, with attractive shape, leaves and bark, plus a good floral and fruiting display.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - British Columbia to California

Habitat

Found in a wide range of soils and climates and also in many different habitats[]. Grows in drier areas on high well-drained slopes usually in rich soils, occasionally on gravel[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Arbutus menziesii is restricted in the wild to areas having mild oceanic winters; however, temperature and moisture regimes vary considerably throughout its range. It is considered to be hardy to about -10°c, though it can be damaged or even killed if it endures long periods of frost or severe frost at around -10 °c. Mean annual precipitation may range from 380 - 4,220mm, mostly as rain..Temperature extremes are from -21 to 46°c, Trees succeed outdoors at Kew but shoots of young plants are apt to be cut back in winter[]. They grow very well in S.W. England[].
Requires a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[]. Succeeds in a limy soil according to another report[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
An ideal plant for the small garden or as a lawn specimen, it has a neat, compact, upright growth habit, retaining its lower leafy branches close to the ground and casting little shade[].
The flowers have a honey-like fragrance which will pervade the whole garden on calm days[].
Trees are slow-growing in the wild, living up to 225 years[], though they are fairly fast growing in cultivation when young[]. They dislike being transplanted and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible[, , ]. Give them some protection in their first winter outdoors.
Plants can resprout from the base if coppiced or cut back by fire[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A bland taste[]. Very sour according to another report[]. After boiling the fruit can be dried for later use[]. The red or orange-red fruit is about 15mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves are stomachic and vulnerary[, ]. They can be used in the treatment of stomach ache and cramps, colds etc[].
The leaves can be applied as a poultice to burns[].

The bitter principles in the bark and leaves can be used as an astringent[]. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of diabetes and externally to treat sores, cuts and wounds[]. It has also been used as a gargle for sore throats[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are rich in nectar and very attractive to bees[].
Pacific madrone has excellent value for erosion control and slope stabilization. It was an important component in a tree community along Magnolia Bluff, Seattle, Washington, that played an important role in preventing more serious landslides along the bluff in 1995 and 1996[].

Other Uses

The inner bark was sometimes used by native North American Indians to make dresses[].

The leaves can be used to test the temperature of pitch that is being used to waterproof canoes. When the leaves turn black the pitch is ready to use[].

A brown dye is obtained from the bark[, ], it does not need a mordant[]. Use in spring or summer[].

The bark is a rich source of tannin[, , , ], it is used medicinally[]. The tannin is also used as a preservative on wood, ropes etc[].

Wood - very hard, brittle, durable in water, close grained, heavy, strong. The wood does not split when it dries and so has been used for carving[]. It is also sometimes used for making furniture[, , , , ].
The wood also produces a fine grade of charcoal[, , , , ].

Propagation

Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse[]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Six weeks cold stratification helps[]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[], they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[].
The plant has long-term seed dormancy and viability and stays viable for 'scores' of years in the soil. When conditions are right (i.e., cool temperatures and adequate moisture), after-ripening is induced and dormancy is broken[].
Basal cuttings in late winter[]. Very difficult to root successfully[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, late autumn in a frame. Poor percentage[].
Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[, ].