Arbutus texana: Texas Madrone

Introduction

This native North American evergreen tree has beautiful peeling bark and reaches a height of 40 feet, but many trees are much smaller than this. As the tree ages, the outer bark drops off to reveal the smooth, new bark that can range in color from white, apricot, tan, or dark red, and the mixture of colors between old and new bark is quite striking. The dark green leaves, with paler undersides, are joined in springtime with small, white flowers, which have an interesting shape, almost like small lanterns. These blooms are followed by the production of orange or red berries that ripen in fall. Berries are very brightly colored and will attract attention in any landscape.

General Information

Scientific name: Arbutus texana

Pronunciation: ar-BEW-tus teck-SAY-nuh

Common name(s): Texas madrone

Family: Ericaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 7A through 8B (Fig. 2)

Origin: native to North America

Invasive potential: little invasive potential

Uses: tree lawn 3–4 feet wide; tree lawn 4–6 feet wide; tree lawn > 6 ft. wide; deck or patio; street without sidewalk; shade; specimen; parking lot island < 100 sq. ft.; parking lot island 100–200 sq. ft.; parking lot island > 200 sq. ft.; highway median; container or planter

Availability: not native to North America

Description

Height: 25 to 40 feet

Spread: 15 to 25 feet

Crown uniformity: irregular

Crown shape: vase, upright/erect

Crown density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: entire, crenate

Leaf shape: ovate, oblong

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen, broadleaf evergreen

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: white/cream/gray

Flower characteristics: showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: round, oval

Fruit length: .5 to 1 inch

Fruit covering: fleshy

Fruit color: orange, red

Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches don't droop; showy; typically multi-trunked; thorns

Pruning requirement: little required

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: gray, green

Current year twig thickness: medium

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: sand; loam; alkaline; well-drained

Drought tolerance: high

Aerosol salt tolerance: unknown

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: yes

Outstanding tree: yes

Ozone sensitivity: unknown

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: unknown

Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and Management

Multiple trunks arise from the ground much like those of crape myrtle. Lower foliage and branches are often removed to show off this feature. Plant this tree to display the trunks near a patio, deck, walk, or other area where people come close to the tree. A row of Texas madrone planted on 15- to 20-foot centers can enlighten the entry way to an office park, condominium complex, or add character to a residential street.

Texas madrone grows in full sun on any well-drained soil, acid, or alkaline. It appears to be a very adaptable tree and should do well in a variety of landscape sites.

Propagation is by seed or micropropagation. Improved selections can probably be developed through micropropagation techniques.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.