Arbutus menziesii

The Pacific Madrone, also known or madrona or arbutus, is an impressive evergreen tree native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia south through northern California. In its native range it prefers well-draining sites and is often found on ridges, slopes, and bluffs. The name ‘madrone’ is borrowed from the Portuguese ‘madroño’, which refers to a related plant Arbutus unedo, which the Pacific Madrone resembles. The Pacific Madrone is an iconic plant of the Pacific Northwest that seems to be dwindling in the wild due to an unknown pathogen.

These are large trees which can grow to 100 feet in height, albeit they can be slow growing in their early years. Plants have a characteristically smooth red-orange trunk with patches of greens and yellows that are quite ornamental. Despite looking like something out of the tropics, the Pacific Madrone is a temperate species that is quite adaptable and resilient. Pacific Madrone requires well-draining soil, but otherwise tolerates a range of exposures from full sun to moderate shade.

Cold hardy to USDA zone 7 and above or to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.