Strawberry Tree

Arbutus unedo

ar-BYOO-tus YOO-nee-doe

 Arbutus is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen which can be grown as a small tree or large shrub. Laurel-like foliage is dark green and glossy. In fall and winter the unusual fruits ripen in concert with a new crop of flowers. Small, urn-shaped flowers resembling blueberry blossoms are white or pink and are produced in clusters of 10 to 30 together. Fruits are yellow, ripening to red, and have a rough, pebbled outer surface somewhat resembling a strawberry. Fruit is edible but not very tasty; however, it is popular with the avian population. Gray-brown bark exfoliates in thin plates to reveal the reddish young bark underneath. As the plant matures it becomes twisted and gnarled.  

Culture Strawberry tree grows well in full sun or partial shade and on well-drained, acid soil. After establishment, it develops a long tap root and becomes very drought tolerant as well as wind resistant. The natural inclination of the plant is to grow into a formal rounded shape with multiple trunks. With considerable pruning, it can be trained as a single-trunked tree. Damage from pests and diseases is very rare.  

Comments ‘Compacta’ grows only six to ten feet tall and wide and has a distinctive contorted branching structure; ‘Elfin King’ flowers and fruits year-round and has a contorted, dwarf form; ‘Rubra’ has deep pink flowers but may be hard to find. 

Use strawberry tree as a small specimen tree, or place it in a shrub border or woodland garden. Place away from walks and patios where falling fruit can be a nuisance.

At a Glance

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-10                         

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)                                

Other common names: Arbutus, cane apple

Size: 8-30 ft. tall/8-30 ft. wide

Origin: Southern Europe and the western Mediterranean region

Relatives: Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry); Rhododendron indicum (azalea)

Propagation: Seeds; cuttings; layering

Salt tolerance: Moderate