Download INFORMATION CARD COMMON NAME: Madrone SCIENTIFIC

COMMON NAME:
Madrone
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Arbutus menziesii
ADAPTATIONS:
The light leaf coloring acts like a sun block. Like the leaves,
the green inner bark produces food through photosynthesis.
FACTS:
Madrones stump sprout and are able to recover quickly after
a fire. They have a beautiful cinnamon wood similar to Manzanita which is used to
make ornamental objects.
NATIVE USES:
The Indians and early settlers used the tree for utensils, food
and medicine. Tea made from the roots and leaves relieved stomach aches, lotion
made from the leaves and bark cured wounds. Fruit was eaten either raw or cooked,
but too many of them caused cramps. Charcoal from the wood made excellent
gunpowder.
GROWING FACTORS:
Madrone grows in a woodland habitat. It flowers in the
spring. It averages a 5-10 foot yearly growth, with a maximum of 40 feet and a 30 foot
spread. It prefers loamy soil with a pH of 4-6.5. It needs deep watering and prefers cool
sun.
It needs special attention when started from seed. The
seeds require 1 month stratification before planting in a mixture of peat, sand and
gravel covered with vermiculite. Water deeply once a month during the dry season until
the 2 foot plant is ready for transplanting to a permanent spot. The plants require
special attention as they are susceptible to fungus from the soil, water washing on the
trunk, or overhead watering.