Key Facts
- Evergreen small tree or large shrub with peeling reddish brown bark
- Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Europe
- Produces clusters of white urn shaped flowers followed by round red berry like fruits
- Fruits are edible for humans and used in preserves and liqueurs
- Prefers well drained soils and tolerates poor, rocky sites
- Performs best in mild coastal or Mediterranean climates
- Can be slow growing and long lived when well sited
- Valued for multi season interest from bark flowers and persistent fruit
Strawberry Tree is an evergreen small tree or large shrub from the Mediterranean prized for peeling reddish brown bark, clusters of white urn shaped flowers and persistent red berry like fruit. It suits mild coastal and Mediterranean climates and prefers well drained soil.
Identification
Evergreen habit with peeling reddish brown bark and glossy leaves. Flowers appear in clusters and are white and urn shaped. Fruits are round and red and are used for preserves and liqueurs. Typical mature size is about 15 to 30 feet tall with a 10 to 20 foot spread depending on cultivar and site.
Best uses
Use as a specimen tree for year round interest from bark, flowers and fruit. It works well in mixed shrub borders and in coastal or Mediterranean style plantings where winters are mild. It can be trained as a multi stem shrub or a small tree for screening and structure.
Where to grow and hardiness
Performs best in USDA zones 7 to 10 and in mild coastal exposures. Plants flower and fruit more reliably in full sun but will tolerate part shade. In colder inland sites winter dieback can occur so choose a sheltered location if winters are harsh.
Soil and watering
Prefers well drained soils and tolerates poor rocky or sandy sites. Avoid heavy wet clay and sites with poor drainage as root decline can occur. Water regularly during the first year to establish roots and reduce frequency once the tree is established.
Planting and spacing
Space plants roughly to their mature spread which is commonly 10 to 20 feet. Plant in a sunny to partly shaded spot with good drainage. Allow the root flare to sit at soil level and mulch the root zone leaving a clear area at the trunk.
After flowering care and pruning
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or crossing branches and thin the canopy to improve air flow when needed. In colder sites remove winter damaged wood in spring to encourage new growth. The species can be slow growing and long lived when well sited.
Propagation
Can be raised from seed and propagated by semi ripe cuttings or layering. Seed germination can be slow and cuttings or layering are commonly used for quicker establishment of named cultivars.
Problems and cautions
Fruit is edible for humans and used in preserves and liqueurs. Effects on pets are not well documented and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Consult local poison control or a veterinarian for pet safety advice. Avoid planting where soils remain waterlogged.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Strawberry Madrone Trees grow?
- Growth is generally slow. Plants often take many years to reach the typical 15 to 30 foot mature height and they establish slowly in poor sites.
- Are the fruits edible?
- Yes fruits are edible for humans and are used for preserves and liqueurs. They are not commonly listed as highly toxic but pet effects are not well documented.
- When does it bloom?
- Bloom time varies with climate and location but flowers commonly appear from autumn into winter and sometimes into spring in mild climates.
- Is it suitable for small gardens?
- It can be managed as a large shrub but typical mature size is 15 to 30 feet with a 10 to 20 foot spread so it may be too large for very small gardens.
- What are reliable propagation methods?
- Use seed, semi ripe cuttings or layering. Cuttings and layering give faster and more predictable results for named varieties.
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