Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii, Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 282 (1813))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 282 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arbutus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to Mexico (N. Baja California)

Description

The Pacific madrone, scientifically known as Arbutus menziesii, is a remarkable and distinctive species of tree that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It was first described in the seminal botanical work “Flora Americae Septentrionalis” published in 1813 by Pursh. This tree is indigenous to the western regions of North America, stretching from the coastal areas of Western Canada down to Northern Baja California in Mexico.

Renowned for its striking appearance, the Pacific madrone can be easily identified by its smooth, reddish-brown bark, which exfoliates in thin sheets to reveal a fresh, greenish layer beneath. This exfoliation process not only contributes to the tree’s unique look but also plays a role in its self-cleaning mechanism, reducing parasitic infestation.

The tree’s foliage comprises dark green, oval leaves which are leathery and glossy, offering a beautiful contrast against the peeling bark. During the blooming season, the Pacific madrone produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that are white to pale pink in color. These flowers subsequently give way to bright red or orange berries that serve as an important food source for various bird species and other wildlife.

Ecologically, Arbutus menziesii plays a significant role in its native habitats. It is typically found on well-drained soils in coastal forests and in the understory of larger conifers. The tree’s presence contributes to the biodiversity of these regions by providing shelter and sustenance to numerous organisms.

In addition to its ecological value, the Pacific madrone has cultural and practical uses. Indigenous peoples have traditionally used the bark and leaves for medicinal purposes, and the wood, known for its hardness and workability, is prized in woodworking and furniture-making.

Overall, Arbutus menziesii is not just a visual marvel but also a vital component of the ecosystems it inhabits, as well as a resource of cultural and practical significance to human societies throughout its range.

Common Names

Eng: pacific madrone, pacific arbutus, laurelwood, oregon laurel
Swe: kaliforniskt smultronträd
Spa: madroña, madroño
Fra: arbousier d’amérique, arbousier de menzies
En: Pacific madrone, Pacific arbutus, Laurelwood, Oregon Laurel
Ar: قطلب منزي
Zh: 草莓樹
Cs: Planika Menziesova
Eo: Menzies-arbuto
Fi: Kalifornianmansikkapuu
Fr: Arbousier d’Amérique, Arbousier de Menzies
De: Amerikanischer Erdbeerbaum
Hu: Kaliforniai szamócafa
No: Madrona
Ru: Земляничное дерево Менциса
Es: Madroña, Madroño
Sv: Kaliforniskt smultronträd

Synonyms

• Arbutus menziesii var. elliptica (DC.)
• Arbutus menziesii var. oblongifolia (DC.)
• Arbutus procera (Douglas ex Lindl.)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Steven Fisher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Константинов Илья (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by monika lemke (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2019 by M Aiswarya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2013 by EOL − brynnathigpen (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Dingleburry Joe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Dingleburry Joe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Dingleburry Joe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Dingleburry Joe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2013 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)

Flower

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by a pecan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2015 by EOL − Daniel George (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by EOL − Christian Schwarz (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2015 by EOL − Lindsey K. Wise (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 9, 2015 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Ali Güler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Steven Fisher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Sabine Heim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by monika lemke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by stephen wright (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Константинов Илья (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2016 by EOL − Emily Dove Barton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 24, 2015 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by EOL − Mike (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 5, 2006 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882802)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326479-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arbutus menziesii Pursh)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 4.5