Arizona Maderone
Arbutus arizonica
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Arbutus arizonica is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Dry gravelly benches, 1800 - 2400 metres.
South-western N. America - S. Arizona to New Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter with a thin sweetish flesh.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bitter principles in the bark and leaves can be used as an astringent.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating:
Wood - heavy, soft, close-grained, brittle. It produces a fine grade of charcoal.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Requires a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A slow-growing tree.
Propagating it: Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c. Seedlings are prone to damp off, they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in late winter. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist