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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Arbutus andrachne is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) 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 March to April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 22, 46, 105, 183, K]. A luscious, juicy texture with a sweet but insipid flavour[K]. Many people do not like eating more than a few of the raw fruits, though I find them very acceptable[K]. They make a good cooked fruit in preserves etc[K]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Wood

Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are tolerant of some trimming[188]. Wood - hard, close-grained.

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[200]. Requires a lime-free soil according to some reports[1, 134], but it thrives on a limy soil according to other reports[11, 182, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. Dislikes being transplanted, it should be placed in its final position whilst young, giving some protection in its first winter outdoors[11, 134]. Plants are very slow growing. Most plants cultivated under this name are in fact A. x andrachnoides 'Serratula'[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

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[78]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[134]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[134]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[184], 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[K]. Basal cuttings in late winter[200]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[78]. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[1, 200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Arbutus arizonica	Arizona Maderone	Tree	15.0	5-9	S	LM	SN	DM	2	1	2
Arbutus canariensis	Canary Madrona	Tree	10.0	7-10		LM	SN	M	2	0
Arbutus menziesii	Madrona, Pacific madrone, Pacific Madrone	Tree	15.0	8-9	M	LM	SN	DM	3	2	2
Arbutus texana	Texas Madrone	Tree	8.0	7-10	S	LM	SN	DM	2	1	2
Arbutus unedo	Strawberry Tree	Tree	9.0	7-11	M	LM	SN	DM	4	2	2
Arbutus x andrachnoides		Tree	10.0	7-10	M	LMH	SN	M	4	0
Arbutus xalapensis	Madrono, Texas madrone	Tree	12.0	7-10	S	LM	SN	DM	2	0
Epigaea repens	Mayflower, Trailing arbutus, Ground Laurel	Shrub	0.1	3-8		LM	S	M	2	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Arbutus andrachne - L.