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Arbutus unedo, Strawberry-Tree

A nice tree mostly grown in the western US. Strawberry-Tree will grow at a slow pace when planted in either full sun or partial shade on well-drained, acid soil. Some growers are trying the plant in eastern landscapes. There is a plant doing nicely in Orlando. Plants are tolerant of wind and some drought once established and grow in well-drained clay. It is one of the most attractive small trees available for residential use but unfortunately is not normally available in the east. It could be grown and tried in the Deep Southeastern US but is mostly untried there. Be sure to provide excellent soil drainage. Yellow fruited cultivars exist.

This is a wonderful plant for a tall shrub border or it can be trained into a small tree. The multiple trunks show off nicely when some lower branches are removed. The tree looks great lighted from beneath the canopy.

Wood is considered diffuse porous meaning that there is little difference in size of pores between spring and summer wood. Pollen causes few allergy problems.