Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii)

Alternative Names

Latin (scientific) name: Arbutus menziesii

Common English name: Arbutus

French name: Arbousier d’Amérique

Other Information

Tree Type: Conifer; Edible Fruit/Nut Tree

Habitat: Prefers full sun and tends to be found on Pacific shorelines. Specifically, from Southwestern British Columbia South to Baja California

Hardiness Zones: 6a, 6b,7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Description

The Arbutus has a seasonal deciduous period form July-August, when all of the leaves from the previous year fall. The current years leaves remain on the tree during this time, making it both an evergreen and deciduous tree.

It grows to 6-30 meters tall with many stems coming up from the base. Young bark is chartreuse and smooth; while mature bark is brownish-red and peels away easily.

Arbutus leaves are leathery and egg-shaped to elliptic, with fine teeth on young shoots. They are 5-15 cm long, and are dark green on top and whitish-green underneath.

It has large, drooping clusters of flowers that are white or pink and urn-shaped. They are 6-8 mm long and fragrant.

The Arbutus produces orange to red, globe-shaped berries that are about 1cm across.

Sources: Tree Canada and E-Flora BC