Madrono, Texas madrone
Arbutus xalapensis
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Arbutus xalapensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. 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 and prefers well-drained 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): 12
Where it is found
Drier oak forests from Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon southwards. Usually found on limestone soils at elevations up to 3,000 metres.
South-western N. America - Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
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. This species thrives on limestone soils and in dry conditions. Plants are not very hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c.
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; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist