Texas Madrone (Arbutus texana)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Arbutus texana is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in March, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish taste, the fruit has a dry mealy flesh. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A sweetish taste, the fruit has a dry mealy flesh.; It has narcotic properties.; The fruit is up to 1cm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry limestone hills. Chaparral and somewhat humid oak forests. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)