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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha

Chinese Snowball

Chinese Snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)





Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, that is stunning. I planted one 2 years ago. Last year it didn't bloom at all. This year it's about 4'-5' tall and has dozens of blooms, but they're still lime green. Can't wait until it's as huge and beautiful as yours! Did you prune it to shape it like that?

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  2. C.C., it hasn't been pruned except for some of the older limbs. Actually, it probably needs it. I'm thinking about doing some pruning on it this year after the blooms fade. It grows fast once it gets going.

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  3. It looks good enough to eat, Phillip! How wonderful!

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  4. Love, love, LOVE your flowers! Your blog header is gorgeous, too...I assume that's your own doings, too? Just beautiful!
    ~Margaret

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  5. Wonderful! I grow common snowball, viburnum opulus Roseum, which I hope wont get so big :). Your is simply amazing.

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  6. Gorgeous! Do they have any scent?

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  7. Hi Christine, unfortunately they do not!

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