The Irish Strawberry Tree prefers climates that are not tropical and can tolerate salt winds. It has been found to grow well in various climates and can tolerate frost and moderate drought. It is adaptable to different soil conditions, but alkaline or waterlogged soils should be avoided. It is known to grow as an understorey to Pinus radiata in New Zealand. Altitude preferences were not specified for this tree.
Common name: Strawberry tree
The Irish Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is an evergreen tree or large shrub known for its attractive appearance and edible fruits. It grows up to 7 meters in height and has dense foliage. The tree is frost tolerant, moderately drought tolerant, and can withstand salt spray. Its round berries ripen during autumn and winter and can be eaten raw or used to make various products such as syrup, wine, and cider. The Irish Strawberry Tree is also valued for its use in bee forage systems and can be planted densely as a hedge.
Arbutus unedo
Ireland
Additional Information: - The Irish Strawberry Tree is known for its beautiful bell-shaped flowers, which appear in clusters and range in color from creamy white to pink. - The tree's bark is smooth and reddish-brown, with a flaky texture. - In folklore, the Irish Strawberry Tree is believed to have magical properties and is associated with love and protection. - The tree is often used in landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to attract birds and butterflies. - The leaves of the tree are dark green and glossy, providing year-round interest in the garden. - The Irish Strawberry Tree is resistant to many common diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. - It is important to note that while the fruits of the tree are edible, they can have a slightly bitter taste and are often used in cooking rather than eaten raw.
It prefers moist soil and is tolerant of most soil conditions, but alkaline or waterlogged soils should be avoided.
This attractive and easily grown evergreen tree is a native of the Mediterranean region, Asia minor and Ireland. It is a small, rounded, densely foliaged tree or large shrub, growing to a maximum height of 7 m with a width of 6 m, but rarely exceeding 5 m. It is a good shade tree, preferring a moist soil. It is frost tolerant as well as being moderately tolerant of drought, shading and salt spray.
It is tolerant of most soil conditions, but alkaline or waterlogged soils should be avoided. It can tolerate some salt winds, and most climates, but with the exception of tropical climates. In New Zealand it volunteers itself as an understorey to Pinus radiate.
The fruits, like round berries, ripen during autumn and winter and are edible when red. The fruit can take up to 12 months to ripen, therefore trees often have flowers, as well as green, white, yellow and red fruits at the same time. They can be eaten raw, preserved, made into syrup, wine, brandy, liqueurs, or made into a cider - like drink. The Irish strawberry also has some value as part of a bee forage system. The bark leaves and fruit are used for tanning. The plant can be planted densely and kept as a hedge.
Trees are grown from seed, and for best results a pollinator is desirable.