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Growth habit of mature Pacific Madrone tree (Arbutus menziesii). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Attractive red peeling bark of mature Pacific Madrone tree (Arbutus menziesii). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Creamy white urn-shaped flowers of the Pacific Madrone tree (Arbutus menziesii). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Leathery, evergreen leaves and orange berries of mature Pacific Madrone tree (Arbutus menziesii). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Pacific Madrone

Arbutus menziesii

Pacific madrone is arguably one of our most captivating and recognizable native trees. The trunk and branches showcase patterns of exfoliating copper bark, exposing smooth olive to red wood beneath that is lusciously soft to the touch. It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest, west of the Cascades - meaning this is the only place in the world that it naturally grows. Clusters of creamy white, fragrant urn-shaped flowers adorn the branches in spring and mature into bumpy orange-red fruits that persist until winter and provide striking contrast to the evergreen foliage and are attractive to many species of birds.

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, large tree
  • Size at maturity: usually 20’ - 50’ tall, 20’ - 40’ wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry, well-drained soil
  • Bloom time: April - May
  • Growth rate/ease: very slow growth rate, difficult to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds, native bees, and other pollinators; berries feed many bird and mammal species, including American robins, varied thrushes, band-tailed pigeons, cedar waxwings, northern flickers, quail, raccoons,  squirrels, mule deer, and bears; overall plant is a caterpillar host and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: grows in coniferous and mixed forests and rocky meadows, up to 1600m, throughout that Cascade, Coast, and Siskiyou ranges, the Willamette Valley as well as parts of California, Washington and British Columbia. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: evergreen; drought-tolerant; wildlife favorite; edible; traditionally berries can be used to make cider and a tea that can ease colds and sore throats, leaves can be chewed to reduce stomach cramping, both leaves and bark can be used in topical infusions as a dermatological aid (burns, cuts, scrapes); landscape uses include erosion control, habitat hedgerows, and windbreaks

Gardening with Pacific Madrone:  Madrone is difficult to establish and slow growing. But resist the temptation to plant an older or bigger specimen because the small, new plants we offer are most likely to survive. It prefers sun and acidic, well-drained soils and is entirely intolerant of wet soils. Plant it very carefully in fall (or early spring), then leave it alone. Its roots are extremely sensitive to drainage changes, compaction, grade alteration, and other soil disturbance. Older trees are exceptionally drought-tolerant. 

Eileen Stark provides a phenomenal in-depth description of Pacific Madrone on her blog HERE. Check it out!

Photo Credit 1: "Madrone Arbutus menziesii" by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 2: "File:Pacific Madrone Arbutus menziesii Branch Fork 2120px.jpg" by Original photo by and (c)2007 NaJina McEnany. Photo prepared by User:Ram-Man. Used by permission. is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5

Photo Credit 3: "File:Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii).jpg" by Elaine with Grey Cats from Mountain View, CA, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 4: "Arbutus menziesii" by briweldon is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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