Genus: Arbutus

Common Names: madrones, strawberry trees

Arbutus includes 12 accepted species of flowering trees or shrubs with characteristic exfoliating bark and edible red berries. Both fruits and leaves are used in traditional medicine as antiseptics, diuretics, laxatives, antidiarrheals, and antihypertensives, among other treatments. The fruits may also be used in specialty liqueurs. Arbutus unedo is the most commonly cultivated species and has been used ornamentally and symbolically across its native range for centuries.

Distribution: Mediterranean region through Iraq, West Canada, Western United States, Central America, and Macronesia

Arbutus ×androsterilis

Common name(s): madrone

Description: evergreen shrub/tree; a rare, hybrid of A. unedo and A. canariensis  found only on Tenerife. Well-branched with slightly exfoliating reddish-brown bark and abundant pale pink urn flowers in autumn. 

Height:  to 15 ft.+ Spread: to 10 ft.+

Position: full sun to light shade and extremely well-draining soil, sheltered from cold winter winds if possible. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 10 F and below.

Distribution: Tenerife

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought

Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'

Common name(s): Greek strawberry tree

Description: evergreen shrub/tree; A compact selection that won't get as monstrously tall and wide as most forms of the species. Glossy, evergreen foliage, luxurious reddish bark, and countless clusters of pinkish-white bell flowers in mid autumn that develop into bright red berries. Though the fruit is technically edible, unedo translates to "I eat only one" which you may intepret however you like.

Height: to 6 ft. in 10 years, eventually 10+ ft. Spread: to 6+ ft.

Position: full sun to slight shade and lean, well-draining soil. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought