by Glory Lennon

Created on: November 04, 2010

The Mandrone tree, known botanically as Arbutus menziesii, is a magnificent ever-changing evergreen tree growing 30-80 feet tall with wide spreading branches and a rounded canopy. The tree can have one curving trunk or multiple trunks. It is often seen growing leaning into the wind with southern and/or western exposure.

Although it grows in USDA zones 7-9, it can only be found in its native dwelling, along the Pacific coast.  As all within the Arbutus family are, the

Mandrone tree is relatively ornamental, bearing fragrant flowers and both decorative and edible fruit. It requires full sun, not much water, no fertilizer and very well drained soil. It is quite drought tolerant once established and does not like to be removed from its home. That means no transplanting of this tree from the wild or it is very likely to die.

The most striking feature of the Mandrone tree is its smooth trunk and reddish bark which flakes off once it matures a bit to reveal a pale green underskin. The contrast is quite striking. The evergreen foliage is oval shaped, pointed, slightly serrated edging, leathery, 3-6 inches in length and 2-3 inches wide. The upperside of each leaf is a glossy dark green while the underside is a dull, greyish green and a bit hairy when young.

In spring the tree bursts into bloom with tiny bell shaped flowers in white or a pale pink color. Very fragrant, these flowers grow in sprays or clusters and cover the entire tree. New bright green leaves develop at this time too, giving the whole tree a stunning appearance.

In autumn the fruit ripens to a yellow, orange or red color, at times all on the same cluster. Extremely attractive to both humans and birds who love to nibble on the strawberry-like fruit from which Mandrone gets its name.  Although the Mandrone tree is evergreen, it will shed some of its older leaves usually in autumn but not before they turn a brilliant red color giving the tree yet another pleasant look in the long growing season.

A few interesting facts about the Mandrone tree:

The wood of the Mandrone tree is particularly hard and therefore not easy to work with unless by a skilled carpenter. The leaves secrete a deer-repelling substance which keeps newly emerging foliage safe from nibbling deer. The name Mandrone comes for the Spanish word for Strawberry. It is unlikely to survive if dug from the wild. It can survive at both extremes of rain, with a mere 15 inches per year of rain to 150 inches per year. It can tolerate severe drought and high temperatures as well as wet and freezing conditions. It can live as happily at sea level as it does at 6,000 feet. The few things that could bother the Mandrone tree are root rot, soot cankers and fungi.

And yet with all that, the Pacific Madrone tree still only can be seen on the Pacific coast and nowhere else. If you are lucky enough to live within this small portion of the world, do yourself a favor and get a Mandrone tree for your home landscape. It’s one tree that pleases on so many levels.

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