Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is an evergreen tree native to the Pacific coast, from British Columbia to southern California, that commands attention with its striking copper-brown bark that exfoliates in thin sheets to reveal smooth new bark beneath. Hardy in zones 7-9, it grows 15 to 65 feet tall (occasionally exceeding 100 feet) with a wide, contorted canopy that can spread 10 to 50 feet. Spring brings showy flowers in April and May, followed by equally ornamental fruit that birds find irresistible. Once established, this tree requires minimal irrigation or fertilization, thriving on moderate water and handling dry soil with ease.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-9
780in H x 600in W
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Low
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The peeling copper-brown bark is madrone's signature feature, shedding to reveal a smooth, luminous undersurface that changes color with the seasons. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while spring flowers and summer fruits create a prolonged display that draws birds and wildlife. Mature specimens develop dramatically contorted branches that age into sculptural character, particularly striking in rocky or coastal landscapes where madrone naturally thrives.
Madrone serves primarily as an ornamental tree in landscapes within its hardiness zones, valued for its sculptural form, exfoliating bark, showy spring flowers, and attractive fruit display that feeds birds and wildlife. In its native Pacific coastal regions, it functions as a keystone plant in natural woodland and coastal ecosystems, supporting diverse bird species and contributing to the ecological character of rocky slopes and open woodlands.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant madrone as young as possible in spring to allow establishment before summer stress. Choose a permanent location carefully, as this species does not transplant well once mature. Avoid disturbing the root system during planting; handle the root ball gently and minimize root disturbance. Space according to mature size expectations (10-50 feet wide), accounting for the tree's eventual contorted, spreading canopy.
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“Arbutus menziesii is native to the wild rocky slopes, ravines, coastal bluffs, and open woodlands that stretch along the Pacific coast from British Columbia south to southern California. The species evolved in these specific ecosystems over millennia, adapting to the well-drained, acidic soils and moderate moisture patterns of its native range. Its common name, madrone, reflects the Spanish heritage of California and the Pacific Northwest, regions where this tree has grown for centuries and remains culturally rooted.”