When does Arbutus menziesii bloom?

Arbutus menziesii blooms in april, may.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Trees

Arbutus menziesii

madrone

Ericaceae

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

Arbutus menziesii is a distinctive evergreen tree indigenous to the Pacific Coast of North America and emblematic of the maritime Pacific Northwest landscape. This remarkable native species is characterized by its smooth, cinnamon-red bark that naturally exfoliates in thin curling sheets to reveal a satiny green-yellow underbark beneath. The tree presents a striking silhouette with its sinuous, sculptural branching pattern and leathery, glossy green leaves that persist year-round. In spring, clusters of white, urn-shaped flowers emerge, followed by bright red-orange berries in fall that provide important food for native birds. Exceptionally well-adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate pattern of wet winters and dry summers, A. menziesii thrives in challenging sites where other trees struggle, including rocky slopes, bluffs, and areas with poor, fast-draining soil. Though challenging to establish in cultivation, once settled this tree requires minimal intervention and develops impressive drought tolerance, making it an ecologically valuable and aesthetically striking addition to naturalistic Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Native Range

PNW native

How to Identify

Arbutus menziesii can be readily identified by its distinctive smooth, reddish-brown bark that naturally exfoliates in thin, papery sheets to reveal a satin-smooth, lime-green to yellowish underbark beneath. This peeling characteristic is especially prominent on the trunk and larger branches, creating a multi-colored, polished appearance unique among Northwest native trees. The leathery, evergreen leaves are another key identifying feature, measuring 3-5 inches long and 2-3 inches wide with an oval to elliptical shape, glossy dark green upper surface, and pale, glaucous underside. Leaf margins are entire to slightly serrated, and the thick, leathery texture helps distinguish it from other broadleaf evergreens in the region. In spring, pendulous clusters of small, white, urn-shaped flowers appear at branch tips, resembling lily-of-the-valley blooms. These are followed by round, bumpy-textured berries that ripen from green to bright orange-red in fall, measuring about 1/2 inch in diameter. The tree's overall form, with its twisting, sculptural branches and multi-stemmed habit, creates a distinctive silhouette recognizable even at a distance, especially when growing in its typical shoreline or rocky slope habitats.

Appearance

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

Soil Types

sand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Pruning

Maintenance Level

low