| |
|
|
|
|
Member Pages |
Strawberry tree is an evergreen broadleaf shrub or small tree with a spreading, picturesque habit, and gray-brown bark that flakes and peels in thin plates to reveal the reddish young bark beneath. The species can get up to 30 ft (9 m) tall and just as wide but many of the popular cultivars are smaller. In the southeastern US strawberry tree rarely exceeds 8 - 12 ft (2.5 - 3.7 m) in height. The leathery leaves are glossy on top, oblong or oval with toothed margins, and 2 - 4 in (5 - 10 cm) long. Older specimens develop attractive twisted and gnarled trunks and branches. Here in North Florida, strawberry tree begins blooming in autumn and continues into the winter. The small white or pinkish blueberry-like flowers are assembled in drooping panicles about 2 in (5 cm) long. The spherical bright red fruits are warty and about 3/4 in (2 cm) inch in diameter. They take a year to ripen, and both flowers and fruits can be present at the same time. Strawberry tree in fruit is very showy.
Location
Strawberry tree is tolerant of acidic to alkaline soils. Protect from winter winds. Light: Strawberry tree does best in full sun to partial shade except in desert regions where more shade is necessary. Moisture: Strawberry tree is drought tolerant once established, and does well even in desert regions, where it may need watering only during the autumn and winter. Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 - 10. Propagation: Strawberry tree is propagated by seeds, which germinate readily, and by cuttings of half-ripe wood taken in summer or autumn.
Strawberry tree is an excellent choice for a shrub border or woodland garden, or even as a small specimen tree. Smaller cultivars are good in containers or on the patio. Strawberry tree is a good choice for coastal areas since it is salt tolerant. Prune minimally to enhance shape, but don't try to make a hedge from this shrub. Strawberry tree does best in Mediterranean climates, with cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. It doesn't do as well in continental climates, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Avoid using near pool and patio as heavy fruit set can make a mess on a walkway or patio (this isn't a problem for the 'Elfin King' cultivar which fruits only sparingly). The bark of strawberry tree has been used in tanning leather. The fruit is edible, but mealy and tasteless. In Portugal, strawberry tree fruits are fermented to make a strong tasting wine known as medronho. The fruits also are used to make preserves. Features The related Pacific madrone (A. menziesii) occurs in California and Oregon. Strawberry tree is recommended by the California Invasive Plant Council as a suggested landscape substitute for often-used invasive species like Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). Steve Christman 2/29/00; updated 12/31/02, 11/26/03, 1/5/06
|
NEW at Floridata
Plant Profiles:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Get link
