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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
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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