Native Plants
Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Arbutus arizonica
Arbutus arizonica (A. Gray) Sarg.
Arizona Madrone
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ARAR2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Arizona madrone is a handsome evergreen tree to 45 ft. with smooth, pinkish-brown bark; glossy leaves; small, white, bell-shaped flowers; and small, orange-red berries.
Arbutus is the classical Latin name of Strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.), a related species of southern Europe. Madrono, the Spanish name of that tree, was applied to similar trees of Mexico and California by the early Spanish padres.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Apex: Acute
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Leaf: Shiny green
Flower: Flowers 1/4 inch
Fruit: Orange-red. 1/4 in.
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NMNative Distribution: Mts. of s.e. AZ, s.w. NM & n.w. Mex.
Native Habitat: High altitude, oak woodlands
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Slow-growing.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Rarely browsed, except by goats and mule deer. Birds like the fruit.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Additional resources
USDA: Find Arbutus arizonica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Arbutus arizonica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arbutus arizonica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff