Pacific Madrone
Arbutus menziesii
Also listed as Arbutus procera
Also known as Madrona, Pacific Arbutus, Refrigerator Tree
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pacific Madrone grows in your area.
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A striking native evergreen tree with distinctive smooth, reddish-brown exfoliating bark and clusters of small white urn-shaped flowers followed by red berries. Highly drought-tolerant once established and excellent for coastal or dry garden settings.
Why grow it
Pacific madrone outperforms many ornamental trees in water-limited environments once established, requiring minimal supplemental irrigation in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Its exfoliating bark provides year-round visual interest without relying on seasonal flowers or fall color, making it a reliable structural element in coastal gardens where salt spray and wind stress other species. While other native Arbutus species exist in specific regions, A. menziesii offers broader cultivation potential across western North America and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than many similar drought-tolerant natives.
Watch out for
Young trees are sensitive to transplant shock and perform better when established from seed or nursery stock rather than field-collected specimens. Soil drainage is critical; madrone struggles in consistently wet conditions and clay-heavy soils, even in its native range. The tree's shallow root system can make it susceptible to wind throw in exposed locations, particularly before the canopy fully matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking native evergreen tree with distinctive smooth, reddish-brown exfoliating bark and clusters of small white urn-shaped flowers followed by red berries. Highly drought-tolerant once established and excellent for coastal or dry garden settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pacific Madrone grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pacific madrone outperforms many ornamental trees in water-limited environments once established, requiring minimal supplemental irrigation in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Its exfoliating bark provides year-round visual interest without relying on seasonal flowers or fall color, making it a reliable structural element in coastal gardens where salt spray and wind stress other species. While other native Arbutus species exist in specific regions, A. menziesii offers broader cultivation potential across western North America and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than many similar drought-tolerant natives.
Watch out for
Young trees are sensitive to transplant shock and perform better when established from seed or nursery stock rather than field-collected specimens. Soil drainage is critical; madrone struggles in consistently wet conditions and clay-heavy soils, even in its native range. The tree's shallow root system can make it susceptible to wind throw in exposed locations, particularly before the canopy fully matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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