Chinese Strawberry Tree With Thorns

Appearance

• The leaves of the Arbutus unedo are evergreen. Their dark green color will last all year as long as the tree receives plenty of water. Although the tree produces edible fruit, it is often used mostly as an ornamental. The tree has very dense foliage, so it makes a useful shade or screen. White or pink flowers appear in fall and winter, making it a good way to brighten a yard during months when most other plants are not in bloom.

  The branches of the Arbutus unedo droop and are covered with sharp thorns. The trunk and branches are a deep reddish brown, and the bark tends to peel and flake off the trunk.

Size

• The shortest mature trees of this variety are usually around 8 feet, and the tallest may reach 35 feet. It often spreads as wide as it is tall. The compact variety, known as Compacta, ranges from 5 to 8 feet in height and width. It may occasionally reach 10 feet.

Care

• The Arbutus unedo tree requires adequate drainage and plenty of water on a regular basis. It grows slowly, but needs regular pruning of suckers unless you wish to turn the tree into a screen.

  Plant this tree in full sun or partial shade, except in very hot, dry climates where partial shade is necessary. This tree is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9.

Fruits

• The fruits of the Arbutus unedo tree are round and olive-sized. The fruits are yellow when immature, and ripen to red. The fruit is edible, but it has very little flavor. Many people prefer to use the fruit in jams and jellies with other fruits.

Varieties

• There are three popular varieties of the strawberry tree other than the standard Arbutus unedo. Compacta is a small variety with tiny white flowers. Elfin King is a dwarf variety which grows both fruits and flowers throughout most of the year, while Rubra is known for its rich pink blooms.