Arbutus menziesii, Pacific Madrone (17)

Depending on the location, Madrone ranges morphologically from an erect, single stemmed, large tree to multi stemmed shrubs (Cockrell, 1976; Barbour and Major, 1988). When conditions are optimal, the tree can grow to 130 feet tall. When conditions are not, Madrone can be a ground hugging shrub. The branches of Madrone trees are usually meandering and twisted and are covered with bark that ranges in color from orange and reddish to brown and gray. The bark is thin and translucent. Often times, areas will be without bark, revealing the woody interior of the tree.

Pacific Madrone leaves are light green to dark green and are elongated and leathery. They are oblong in shape and persist on the tree year around. The Pacific Madrone produces a small flowers followed by red berries.

Pacific Madrone has a wide distribution throughout the Pacific margin on North America, growing from the border of Mexico all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia (Stuart and Sawyer, 2001). It can be found on the coast as well as inland, in the Sierra Nevada between 500 feet and 500 feet elevation. It grows in both broad leaved and coniferous forests.

The Pacific Madrone is a beautiful tree, especially when it is grown to full height. However, it is not particularly liked by browsing animals. Pacific Madrone leaves apparently don’t taste very good (Stuart and Sawyer, 2001). However, the flowers and berries are eaten by deer and birds.