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Ericaceae
Zone USDA 7a
This plant fact sheet was first proposed by lrey
Last modification:  03/10/2009 09:16
[ History of this plant fact sheet ]
Arbutus unedo
strawberry tree, cane apples
 
Arbutus unedo, the strawberry tree, is a relatively slow-growing evergreen tree. Its foliage, shape and bark are very ornemental. The strawberry tree has also interesting flowers and red globose fruits.
The strawberry tree is a very ornemental small tree that is quite frost hardy. It will generally withstand negative temperatures of 10°F to 5°F (-12°C to -15°C.)
 
The strawberry tree has deep-green leaves, that are glossy on top. The leaves are oblong with toothed margins, and are up to 4 in (10 cm) long.
Flowers of Arbutus unedo are small, white or light pink, and assembled in panicles. They look like blueberry flowers and highlight the fact that the strawberry tree belongs to the Ericaceae familly (that includes the Vaccinium and Erica genus.)
Arbutus unedo has red globose fruits that look like round strawberries (hence the name "strawberry tree".) They are .75 in (2cm) large, and are edible, but not well appreciated. In fact, its species name comes from the latin "un edo", that means "i eat only once". It does not mean that this fruit has an awfull taste, but it lacks the acidity and fragrant flesh that would make it popular. Instead, it is generally left to the birds.
 
Arbutus unedo requiert les expositions suivantes : mi-ombre,lumière,soleil
The strawberry tree is tolerant of a fairly large range of soils, including acidic or alkaline soils.

Photos of strawberry tree

Arbutus unedo
 
Category - shrub
Dimensions
  • Height 5.00 m
  • Width 5.00 m
  • Minimum temperatures
  • The plant is likely to die as soon as temperature is below -15.0 °C
  • Leaves and other aerial parts are damaged as soon as temperatures drops to -15.0 °C
  • Exposure - partial shade, light, full sun
    Leaves - evergreen
    Flowers -
  • Color(s) : white, pink
  • Fruit - Edible
    Propagation - cutting, layering
  • Strawberry tree can be sown, or propagated by cuttings.
  • Toxicity
  • No or unknown toxicity.
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