Growing Madrone Trees

The Madrone tree is mostly found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It has also spread to other dry climates all the way from Baja California to British Columbia. Because it requires a great deal of sunlight and very little moisture, the Madrone is well suited for rocky areas and cliffs. Their hardy constitution also allows the Madrone to survive in environmental conditions that would be too harsh for other species. Poor quality soil, moderate droughts, and salt water from the ocean can all be tolerated by a healthy Madrone tree. In the proper conditions, a Madrone may grow to over fifty feet tall and live for more than two hundred years.

Growing Madrone trees: Shedding of the bark

Unlike most trees, the Madrone is constantly discarding its bark and growing a new layer. This leaves areas of the trunk and branches that can be completely smooth between cycles of bark growth. The discarded bark will collect in piles around the Madrone's trunk, requiring some ongoing maintenance to keep your garden clean. The trunk itself is usually a yellow-toned color, while the bark is more reddish in tint. The trunk of a Madrone can be twisted around or bent at strange angles, depending on where the tree is growing. Many Madrone trees can be found growing almost straight out of a rock outcropping or bluff.

Growing Madrone trees: Flowering and fruiting

While Madrone trees shed their bark, they are different from other trees in that they retain their green leaves all the way through the winter months. Some of the leaves will drop off, but most will remain and do not change color in the fall. Once spring comes, the Madrone trees will produce blossoms of beautiful white flowers. Their strong fragrance brings birds, butterflies, and bees to help with pollenation. After the flowers drop off, the Madrone tree will be left with a bountiful harvest of berries. This continual shedding of bark, blossoms, and berries can make the Madrone somewhat of a messy tree to add into a home garden.

Growing Madrone trees: Common problems

The main problems for Madrone trees are issues of overabundance, not a lack of resources. As mentioned above, the Madrone can survive drought conditions because it does not require much water. Unfortunately, this leaves it susceptible to harm from too much moisture in the soil. Excessive fertilizing can also burn the roots and leaves of a Madrone tree. Be sure your garden soil has adequate drainage and is not being hit by neighboring sprinklers or other irrigation.