Arbutus menziesii Madrona (Ericaceae) Evergreen tree

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Arbutus menziesii
Madrona
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Arbutus menziesii plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Madrona. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. procera.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Arbutus menziesii
Common Name:  Madrona
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  Pursh.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:  15

Habitat:  Found in a wide range of soils and climates and also in many different habitats[229]. Grows in drier areas on high well-drained slopes usually in rich soils, occasionally on gravel[60, 82].

General Uses: The inner bark was sometimes used by native North American Indians to make dresses[257]. The leaves can be used to test the temperature of pitch that is being used to waterproof canoes. When the leaves turn black the pitch is ready to use[257]. A brown dye is obtained from the bark[57, 106], it does not need a mordant[168]. Use in spring or summer[168]. The bark is a rich source of tannin[46, 61, 82, 226], it is used medicinally[168]. The tannin is also used as a preservative on wood, ropes etc[257]. Wood - very hard, brittle, durable in water, close grained, heavy, strong. The wood does not split when it dries and so has been used for carving[257]. It is also sometimes used for making furniture, it also produces a fine grade of charcoal[46, 61, 82, 99, 229].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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