Arbutus xalapensis aka Texas Madrone

Arbutus xalapensis, or Texas madrone, belongs to the heath family. It grows as an evergreen tree or large shrub. Sources place its range from New Mexico and Texas through Mexico. Useful Tropical Plants extends that range south to Nicaragua. Kew gives a narrower Mexican range, from Durango to Oaxaca. It grows on rocky hills, mountain slopes, and limestone ledges. It also occurs in dry oak woods at higher elevations.

Size varies widely among the sources. RHS gives a garden height of 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its listed spread is 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants describes plants just 7–13 feet [2–4 metres] tall. It also reports large crowns reaching 43 feet [13 metres] across. Virginia Tech describes a rounded tree with several trunks. Growth is slow, and RHS gives 20–50 years to maturity.

Old, dark bark peels away to show smooth bark beneath. The fresh surface ranges from pink-orange to deep red. Young twigs start pale green, then turn orange-red or red-brown. Broad, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern along stems. Their edges are smooth, and their texture is leathery. The upper surface shines green; the underside looks paler. Some leaves have hairs beneath. White or pink flowers form clusters early in the growing season. Each small flower has an urn-like shape and both sex organs. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. Small orange-red fruits have a rough skin. Virginia Tech places fruit ripening in late summer.

Grow it in sun or partial shade, with shelter. RHS recommends deep, fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It lists clay, loam, and sand across all pH groups. Useful Tropical Plants instead calls for lime-free soil that holds moisture. Young plants need shelter from cold, drying winds. RHS rates it H4 for UK gardens. Brief cold spells near 14°F [−10°C] fall within its reported tolerance. Propagation uses seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer.

Its bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit provide interest across the year. RHS suggests it for courtyard and city gardens. Aphids, arbutus leaf spot, and honey fungus may cause problems. Wild plants provide food, medicine, and wood for local use. RHS mentions fruit use in jams and liqueurs. Yet its safety section warns people and pets against eating fruit. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards, so safety accounts conflict.