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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

Viburnum "Shasta"

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Shasta' (aka "Doublefile Viburnum")
 
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I grew "Shasta" in my last garden before we moved and it was always stunning in bloom.

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  2. What a beauty. I have one that looks like this. I wonder if it is the same variety. It isn't blooming yet.

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  3. Love Viburnum so much...a great family of plants!

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  4. Very pretty. Like little lacecap hydrangeas.

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