A striking tree with smooth orange-red bark that peels in papery sheets, glossy evergreen leaves, and clusters of urn-shaped white flowers followed by orange berries beloved by birds.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Arbutus menziesii, or Pacific madrone, is a species of broadleaf evergreen tree in the family Ericaceae. It has waxy foliage, a contorted growth habit, and flaky bark.
Source: Wikipedia — Arbutus menziesii Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Mid-sized tree with smooth orange-red bark that peels in papery sheets.
Similar species. Other Arbutus species (different ranges).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Coastal Pacific Northwest tree. Smooth bark sheds annually.
§ Range
Pacific coast from BC to California
§ Habitat
Mixed evergreen forests, oak woodlands, slopes
§ Threats
Sudden Oak Death disease, fire suppression, urban heat stress.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the pacific madrone is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support sudden-oak-death research. Don't plant non-disease-resistant cultivars. Prescribed fire in Pacific oak woodlands.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Arbutus menziesii
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Arbutus menziesii
- iNaturalist · taxon 71694
- IUCN Red List — search for Arbutus menziesii
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Arbutus menziesii
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- iNaturalist
