Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Heath Family (Ericaceae)

The madrone is a broadleaf, evergreen tree. It grows on dry, sunny often rocky sites frequently with coarse textured soils at low to middle elevations. There are a few trees growing out the arboretum and a few dotted around town. The madrone becomes an obvious part of the landscape as you head to southern Oregon in the Ashland area.

Bark

The bark flakes off in thin sheets leaving a smooth bark underneath. It is smooth and pale green when it is young and turns bronze to deep red as it matures. As it further matures it will become a rough dark gray-brown especially at the base.

Leaves

The leaves are evergreen and alternate. They feel thick and leathery. Their color is glossy, dark green above and a silvery pale-green underneath. Their shape is oblong-elliptical and the edge can be smooth or slightly serrated. Their length is 2 1/2 - 6 inches.

Flowers

Small white flowers in large clusters. The guide books describe them as jar-shaped or urn-shaped. I think they resemble small hot air balloons, especially with the clear bubbles around the top of the flower.

Berries

The berries start off light green and mature to be bright red-orange. They are many-seeded with pebbly skin. They are 1/4 - 1/2 inch in large clusters like the flowers.

I see robins eating the ripe berries.

Quick Reference:

Height: 80 feet, diameter 24”
Leaves: 2 1/2 - 6", evergreen, oblong-elliptical, glossy dark green above, pale silvery-green beneath.
Berries: 1/4 - 1/2” in large clusters, bright red-orange when ripe, pebbly skin.
Habitat: Grows on dry, sunny often rocky sites frequently with coarse textured soils at low to middle elevations.

Journal Location:
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Plant List
Eugene, OR

References

Jensen, Edward C. and Charles R. Ross. Trees to Know in Oregon, Oregon State University Extension Service, Revised April 2005.
Little, Elbert L. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees - Western Region, Knopf, 1998.
Mathews, Daniel. Cascade-Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions in conjunction with Portland Audubon Society, 1988.