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Arbutus unedo
strawberry tree
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Overview
Arbutus unedo is a broadleaf evergreen tree or large shrub in the Ericaceae family, typically 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide, with a rounded to irregular crown and cinnamon-red bark that sheds in thin strips to reveal smooth, grey-green underbark. Leaves are glossy, dark green, leathery, oblong-elliptic, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with serrated margins. In October–November, pendant clusters of urn-shaped, cream-white flowers 6–8 mm long open at the same time the previous year's fruit ripens — producing a simultaneous display of flowers and round, red-orange, warty-surfaced fruit 15–20 mm in diameter. Fruit is edible but mealy and bland, with a faintly sweet, fermenting flavour — the Latin epithet unedo reputedly translates as "I eat one [only]." Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. Tolerates drought once established and adapts to both acidic and alkaline soils. Susceptible to leaf spot (Septoria unedonis) in prolonged wet conditions. Not reliably hardy below 15°F (-9°C); in the Pacific Northwest, grows best west of the Cascades in USDA zones 7b–9.
Native Range
Arbutus unedo is native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal and Ireland (where it occurs wild in County Kerry) eastward through southern France, the Italian peninsula, the Balkans, and Turkey. It also occurs in North Africa and the Canary Islands. The Irish population is considered a glacial relict.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen tree, hedge, or screen, spaced 10–12 feet (3–3.6 m) for hedging or 15 feet (4.5 m) as a standalone. Tolerates coastal exposure and urban pollution. The shallow root system suits planting near patios and paths where deep-rooted trees would cause heaving. Compact cultivar 'Compacta' reaches 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) for smaller sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from October through December in the Pacific Northwest. Clusters of 15–30 urn-shaped flowers 6–8 mm long emerge at branch tips. Fruit from the previous year's flowers ripens simultaneously, changing from yellow-green through orange to dark red over approximately 12 months. Pollinated primarily by bees.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Tolerates alkaline conditions better than most Ericaceae. Space 10–12 feet (3–3.6 m) apart for hedging, 15+ feet (4.5+ m) as a specimen. Water regularly during the first two summers to establish deep roots; once established, supplemental irrigation is needed only during extended drought. Protect from drying winter wind in exposed sites. Avoid heavy clay soils with poor drainage — root rot (Phytophthora) develops in waterlogged conditions. Feed annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of bark or compost, keeping mulch 6 inches (15 cm) from the trunk.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape. Remove crossing, dead, or damaged branches. Can be trained as a single-trunk small tree by removing lower branches to 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in late winter. Responds well to hard renovation pruning if needed — cut back to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in late winter and the plant will resprout from the base.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring