{"product_id":"strawberry-tree-arbutus-marina","title":"Strawberry Tree - Arbutus ‘Marina’","description":"\u003ch1\u003eStrawberry Tree (Arbutus marina)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYear-Round Beauty with Edible Fruit and Fire-Resistant Durability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Strawberry Tree gives California landscapes an evergreen, drought tolerant tree with white flowers, bright red edible fruit, textured bark, and strong fire-resistant landscape value in one low-maintenance plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for dry summer climates, coastal wind, and water-wise yards, \u003cstrong\u003eArbutus marina\u003c\/strong\u003e is a good candidate if you want year round interest without relying on thirsty ornamental trees. It works beautifully as a small specimen tree, an evergreen shrub, a privacy screen, or a multi-stemmed focal point that stays colorful through fall, winter, and late summer as its fruit slowly ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for California water savings\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, the strawberry tree is highly drought-tolerant, frost-resistant down to roughly 5°F (-15°C), and highly resistant to salty coastal winds, helping reduce irrigation needs in southern California and other Mediterranean areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFire-resistant landscape value\u003c\/strong\u003e – The strawberry tree possesses a deep, extensive root system that stabilizes fragile soils and is highly fire-resistant, making it useful for ecological design, slopes, and degraded ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear round interest\u003c\/strong\u003e – The leaves of the strawberry tree are oblong, glossy dark green, leathery with finely serrated edges, while its bark, flowers, and fruit create a striking multi-season display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers and fruit at the same time\u003c\/strong\u003e – The tree has an unusual 12-month fruit ripening cycle, displaying white or pink bell-shaped flowers while simultaneously ripening previous year’s fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupports bees, birds, and edible landscaping\u003c\/strong\u003e – Bees visit the winter bloom time for nectar and honey production, birds eat the ripe berries and spread seeds, and the edible fruit can be used in jams, sauces, jellies, pies, cakes, and even a traditional drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrawberry tree berries can be eaten fresh when fully ripe, but they are not usually treated like strawberries or other fruits. Strawberry tree berries are delicate and highly perishable, making them rarely found in grocery stores, and the fruits are not commonly consumed fresh due to their gritty texture and muted flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost ornamental trees offer spring flowers, summer shade, or fall color-but few provide evergreen structure, winter bloom, edible fruit, coastal toughness, drought resistance, and fire-wise performance in the same landscape plant. If your priority is blossoms first, a curated selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for California gardens\u003c\/a\u003e can complement strawberry trees in your landscape plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry Tree (Arbutus marina)\u003c\/strong\u003e provides:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rare fall-to-winter flowering cycle\u003c\/strong\u003e – Instead of going dormant visually, the tree produces aromatic white flowers or pink bell-shaped flowers during a season when many other strawberry trees, fruit trees, and ornamentals are quiet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA full-year fruit display\u003c\/strong\u003e – Strawberry tree fruits are small, averaging 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, with a round to oval shape and a textured, bumpy surface covered in tiny bristle-like protrusions. These bright red fruits slowly ripen over about 12 months, so flowers and ripe fruit can appear together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMediterranean toughness for California gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e – Strawberry trees thrive in a range of soils and are native to temperate regions of Asia and Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, Portugal, France, and Spain. Their native adaptation to the mediterranean region, north africa, and dry summer climates makes them especially useful in southern california, coastal gardens, and even many pacific northwest sites with well drained soil, much like the resilient \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/coast-live-oak-quercus-agrifolia\"\u003eCoast Live Oak tree (Quercus agrifolia)\u003c\/a\u003e used in long-lived, drought-tolerant plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanically, strawberry trees are classified as \u003cstrong\u003eArbutus marina\u003c\/strong\u003e, evergreen shrubs or small trees known for ornamental qualities including textured bark and aromatic flowers. Carl Linnaeus formally named the species in \u003cem\u003eSpecies Plantarum\u003c\/em\u003e, and the name unedo is often linked to the Latin idea “I eat one.” The plant is also called the \u003cstrong\u003eirish strawberry tree\u003c\/strong\u003e in some places, and its green leaves, white flowers, and red fruit have been compared to the \u003cstrong\u003eitalian flag\u003c\/strong\u003e; poet \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni Pascoli\u003c\/strong\u003e even referenced it as a national symbol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose the right site\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant your strawberry tree in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e for the best flowering, fruit production, and dense evergreen growth. It will tolerate some shade, drought, and frost, but full sun and well drained soil give the strongest long-term results. Avoid low spots where winter water collects, especially in clay soils, and consider pairing it with versatile evergreens like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-tree-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eFern Pine trees (Podocarpus gracilior)\u003c\/a\u003e for additional screening or structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant and establish with steady care\u003c\/strong\u003e Once planted, water deeply through the first season so the root system can establish. Mulch around the base while keeping mulch away from the trunk. These trees are easy to cultivate and are tolerant of shade, drought, and frost, making them suitable for various growing conditions, but young plants still perform best with consistent water during establishment, just like many \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/citrus\"\u003ecitrus fruit trees for home orchards\u003c\/a\u003ethat need steady moisture while they root in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy low-maintenance growth\u003c\/strong\u003e After the tree is established, reduce irrigation and prune lightly to create either a single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. The strawberry tree can be trained as a single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub, making it a versatile ornamental addition to landscapes. Expect fruit production to become more noticeable as the plant matures, with the most dramatic display when fall flowers overlap with ripe fruit from the previous year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strawberry tree is highly adaptable, drought-resistant, and provides year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and fruit. It is primarily cultivated for ornamental features rather than for fruit volume, but its culinary uses make it a rewarding edible landscape choice, and compact options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/dwarf-strawberry-tree-arbutus-unedo-compacta\"\u003eDwarf Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'\u003c\/a\u003e can bring similar benefits to smaller spaces or container plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eArbutus marina\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen shrub or small tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strawberry tree, irish strawberry tree, cain apple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e The strawberry tree typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall, occasionally reaching up to 30 feet; Yardwork landscape sizing is commonly planned around approximately 15–20 feet in height and 10–15 feet in spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Zones 7–9; once established, it is frost-resistant down to roughly 5°F (-15°C).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent for southern california, coastal landscapes, inland Mediterranean areas, and dry summer climates where drainage is reliable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun exposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun is best; light shade is tolerated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in a range of soils, but requires well drained soil for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate during establishment; low once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be trained as a small tree, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, hedge, screen, or specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small edible berries, 1 to 3 centimeters wide, bright red when ripe, with a rough surface and tiny bristle-like protrusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit flavor and texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strawberry tree fruits have a subtly fruity, sweet-tart, and woody flavor with nuances of mango, apricot, guava, and peach, and they pair well with citrus fruits and various cheeses. The texture can be gritty, which is why the fruit is often cooked rather than eaten fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNutrition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The bumpy red berries of the strawberry tree are exceptionally high in Vitamin C, containing roughly three times the amount found in an orange. Strawberry tree fruits are also a rich source of dietary fiber, vegetal proteins, and antioxidant polyphenols.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulinary uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruits of the strawberry tree are not commonly consumed fresh due to their gritty texture and muted flavor, but they are often used in sauces, jams, and jellies. In Portugal, the fruit is fermented and distilled into \u003cstrong\u003eaguardente de medronhos\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eaguardente de\u003c\/strong\u003e medronho or a strong brandy called medronho brandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e In traditional folk medicine, infusions made from strawberry tree leaves act as a natural urinary antiseptic and are used to soothe intestinal inflammation and diarrhea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a drought tolerant tree that stays evergreen, colorful, and practical in low-water landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners in fire-prone areas\u003c\/strong\u003e who need plants with fire-resistant traits, deep roots, and value for defensible-space planting; many homeowners also combine strawberry trees with native \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/coast-live-oak-quercus-agrifolia\"\u003eCoast Live Oak trees for habitat and shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoastal gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for a tree well-adapted to marine salt spray, wind, and drought once established, sometimes pairing strawberry trees with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/what-to-know-about-the-california-pepper-tree\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Trees (Schinus molle)\u003c\/a\u003e for a feathery canopy and contrasting berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible landscape gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e who want unusual fruit for jams, jellies, sauces, cakes, pies, brandy, or a traditional drink rather than standard grocery-store fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating Mediterranean, ecological design, restoration, or native-style gardens with year round interest often mix strawberry trees with other structural species available through a full-service \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eplant nursery and landscape supplier\u003c\/a\u003e, including options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree for sale (Schinus molle)\u003c\/a\u003e for larger, park-like plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners with slopes or fragile soils\u003c\/strong\u003e who want roots that help stabilize soil while adding ornamental value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a tree that brings evergreen structure, white flowers, bright red fruit, wildlife value, and lower water demand into one landscape feature, \u003cstrong\u003eArbutus marina\u003c\/strong\u003e fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it easy to grow in California?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The Strawberry tree (Arbutus Marina) is a strong fit for many California landscapes, especially southern california, coastal zones, and dry summer climates. It prefers full sun and well drained soil, but these trees are easy to cultivate and are tolerant of shade, drought, and frost once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long before it produces fruit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFruit production is usually modest at first. The tree’s unusual 12-month cycle means fruits slowly ripen from the previous year while new flowers appear in fall or winter. With good sun, water during establishment, and healthy soil, fruiting becomes more visible as the tree matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if it doesn’t thrive in my yard?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYardwork can help you choose the right location, check drainage, and select the best container size before planting. If your site has heavy clay, standing water, or harsh reflected heat, a Yardwork consultation can help create a better planting plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need special care during establishment?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYoung strawberry trees need regular deep watering while roots establish. After that, they become highly drought tolerant and need far less water. Light pruning can shape the branches into a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I eat the strawberry-like fruit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the fruit is edible and can be eaten fresh when fully ripe, but it is more often used in jams, jellies, sauces, pies, cakes, and fermented drinks. The ripe fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, but the gritty texture and delicate skin make it less common as a fresh market fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it the same as strawberries?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The name comes from the fruit’s bumpy red appearance, not from a relationship to true strawberries. Strawberry tree belongs to the arbutus group, and the species plantarum name is \u003cstrong\u003eArbutus marina\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it attract wildlife?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Bees visit the flowers during the cooler bloom time, and birds eat the ripe berries. This makes it useful for wildlife-friendly landscape design and garden biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop settling for short-season ornamentals that need extra water, extra cleanup, or constant attention. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry Tree (Arbutus marina)\u003c\/strong\u003e for an evergreen, drought tolerant, fire-resistant tree with white flowers, colorful fruit, textured bark, and year round interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork can help you select the right size, plan the best planting location, and arrange delivery for your landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon \/ Standard Trunk","offer_id":38070113435821,"sku":"","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 Gallon \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":38070113468589,"sku":"","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box \/ Standard Trunk","offer_id":38070113501357,"sku":"","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":38070113534125,"sku":"","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box \/ Standard Trunk","offer_id":38070113566893,"sku":"","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":38070113599661,"sku":"","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":41686709665965,"sku":"","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box \/ Standard Trunk","offer_id":41689559367853,"sku":"","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60\" Box \/ Standard Trunk","offer_id":42275479847085,"sku":"","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"72\" Box \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":42360872042669,"sku":"","price":15850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"84\" Box \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":42360872829101,"sku":"","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60” \/ Multi Trunk","offer_id":42562505670829,"sku":"","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/strawberry-tree-arbutus-marina-pulled-nursery-1.heic?v=1707262763","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/strawberry-tree-arbutus-marina","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}