Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

Pacific madrone is a striking evergreen tree native to the Pacific Coast, known for its smooth, reddish bark that peels away to reveal a greenish layer beneath. It grows in dry, well-drained soils, often on rocky slopes or coastal bluffs, from British Columbia to California. Its glossy, oval leaves are leathery and dark green on top, with pale undersides. Clusters of small, bell-shaped white flowers bloom in spring, followed by bright orange-red berries that provide food for wildlife.

Features

Leaves

• 3–6 inches long

• Oval, leathery, and dark green above with pale undersides

Bark

• Smooth and reddish, peeling in thin sheets to reveal a greenish layer underneath

• Develops a rougher, darker texture at the base of older trees

Habitat

• Prefers dry, well-drained soils

• Found on rocky slopes, bluffs, and in mixed evergreen forests

Height

• Typically 30–80 feet, occasionally reaching 100 feet in optimal conditions

Age

• Can live over 100 years, with a slow to moderate growth rate