Description
Arbutus menziesii is Canada’s only native, broadleaved, evergreen tree. On the West Coast we call it arbutus but south of the border they call it madrone or Pacific madrone. It is noted for its rusty reddish brown peeling bark on mature trees that can reach 6 to 30 meters in height with an upright, open, spreading shape. The evergreen leaves are oval to egg-shaped and generally smooth, shiny green above and whitish-green below. The tree bears clusters of small white or pinkish bell-shaped blossoms that are fragrant and attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. It is also a larval host for different species of moths and butterflies. The red/orange fruit are edible raw or cooked. The tree requires a very well drained site and is capable of handling dry conditions.
