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
Gorgeous! My Ginkgo looks sad by comparison.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular colors! The sourwood, black tupelo and sumac are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSourwood makes an un matched display with leaf and berry mix. Stunning.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip! Love that sumac. Do you keep it in a container or the ground? How likely is it to really run sideways?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, as always.
Jules, both. The original one is in the ground. Since then, two have been potted up from runners. It does do that but I would not say vigorously. Just a few every year. Of course you have to keep an eye on it.
DeleteOh I would surely swoon to see your gorgeous garden in the fall! So many colors, it makes me giddy just to see photos.
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