Description

General aspect and origins - 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.
Leaves - 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 - 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.)
Fruits - 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.

Culture

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.)
Soil - The strawberry tree is tolerant of a fairly large range of soils, including acidic or alkaline soils.

Propagation

Strawberry tree can be sown, or propagated by cuttings.