Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

Native from the west coast of Brithish Columbia throughout most of California. Known as Madrona north of Oregon's Siskiyou and often referred to as Arbutus in Canada. Gorgeous broad leafed evergreen tree can grow up to 90 feet tall and 8 feet wide at the base and has incredibly hard pinkish red wood that is popular for flooring and firewood. Its outer bark peels annually leaving exposed its smooth inner bark that starts out green, then fades to a purple red as the year progresses. This combined with its artistic spreading branches and glossy green leaves make it an outstanding ornamental tree that is highly prized throughout its native range. Has large sprays of white bell shaped blooms prized by bees in the spring making a rich amber honey. In fall and winter it has large amounts of showy bright red fruits that are edible and good made into jams, as well as highly prized by wildlife. Very drought tolerant and hardy zones 7-9.