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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

Wednesday Vignette

Hydrangea quercifolia leaves covered in frost

Hydrangea quercifolia leaves covered with frost - this photo was taken last week after our first frost on December 8.

Wednesday Vignette is hosted by Anna at Flutter & Hum.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Jack Frost and Mother Nature sure create some beautiful work together!

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  2. Awesome! One of my favorite shrubs. :)

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  3. The colors, leaf patterns, the frost...gorgeous!

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  4. It appears that Jack Frost ran his paint brush all around those outer edges. Beautiful!

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  5. Wonderful shot Phillip! And to make it to December 8 is quite an accomplishment. What zone are you in?

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