Pacific Madrone - Arbutus Menziesii

Appearance

• bright orange berries with pebbly skin
• heavy leaves
• small white flowers
• five-lobed flowers
• heavy, strong wood; splits badly in drying

Habitat

• grows near salt water
• grows in driest sites
• grows on west coast

Growth Habit

• grows 50 to 80 feet tall
• requiring only it's own spot be well drained and sunny

Natural History

• Indians made spoons and ladles from it
• berries are bitter and slightly narcotic
• associated with Douglas-Fir
• fruits eaten by bandtail pigeons, doves, wild turkeys, raccoons, and ringtails