Arbutus unedo

Strawberry Tree

A handsome evergreen tree or large shrub valued for its four-season interest—showy white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers, strawberry-like red fruits, and attractive reddish, peeling bark. Flowers and fruit often appear at the same time, adding to its ornamental appeal.

Key features



Width: 15–25 ft



Height: 20–30 ft



Flower color: White to pale pink



Bloom time: Fall to early winter



Fruit: Red, strawberry-like fruits (ornamental; edible but bland)



Foliage: Glossy dark green, evergreen



Form: Rounded to spreading; can be trained as multi- or single-stem



Life cycle: Evergreen tree / large shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun to part shade



Soil: Well-drained; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10



Landscape use



Specimen tree or focal point



Mediterranean and coastal landscapes



Evergreen screening



Courtyards and patios



Urban-tolerant plantings



Notes



Native to the Mediterranean region



Tolerates salt spray, wind, and urban conditions



Flowers are attractive to bees and pollinators



Slow to moderate growth rate



Fruit is edible but mainly ornamental

Plant type

Evergreen Tree, Fruit Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

15-25'

Hardiness zones

7–10

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Fall

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Crimson

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Oval, Spreading

Bark

Exfoliating, Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No