Texas Madrone
Arbutus xalapensis
- Native to:
- El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, United States
Miguel Vieira (www.flickr.com) from Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Arbutus
- Species:
- Arbutus xalapensis
- USDA Symbol:
- ARXA80
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire. Thick, exfoliating bark provides some fire protection. Common in fire-prone oak woodlands.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky slopes and canyons
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be erratic and slow. Fresh seed germinates better than stored seed. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI