Tree ID needed please

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
K4CLE Germantown, TN(Zone 7b) Nov 26, 2010

I am visiting in the Napa Valley region of California and I see several trees around here with a berry or fruit(?) that resembles a strawberry. Does anyone have an idea what this tree is? Thanks.

Thumbnail by K4CLE
Post #8232176
Quote
bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Nov 27, 2010

It's called Arbutus unedo, AKA as the Strawberry Tree.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53834/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbutus_unedo

Post #8233057
Quote
K4CLE Germantown, TN(Zone 7b) Nov 28, 2010

Thanks Bettydee, I see that it is hardy to 7B, my area of the country. I'll look into getting one. I wondered if it is a strawberry tree why the birds were not all over it? You would think! But I didn't see them. Regards, Doug.

Post #8234323
Quote
bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Nov 28, 2010

This is found planted all over the SF Bay Area where I used to live, but I don't remember seeing any birds around it. The skin is rather hard and warty and my not be very palatable. I do like the way they look.

http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/arbu_une.cfm
http://www.paghat.com/strawberrytree.html

Post #8234603
Quote
K4CLE Germantown, TN(Zone 7b) Nov 28, 2010

Yes, I also found those sites earlier when doing some searching on this tree. It was 28 degrees the other morning in Napa at the hotel where I was staying, and this tree was right around the corner. So, I figured if it had lasted this many years with weather sometimes below freezing, it had to be somewhat hardy. I like the looks of the tree too even if the fruit is not all that desirable. I also prefer evergreens and this looks like a good choice.

Thanks, Doug

Post #8235039
Quote
jujubetexas San Marcos, TX(Zone 8b) Nov 30, 2010

They are edible for sure but the taste ranges from plant to plant. At best, you should expect "acceptable".

Post #8238147
Quote
mrs_colla Marin, CA(Zone 9b) Jan 15, 2011

Here they taste bland and pithy.

Post #8312920
Quote
Dlmcgrw Colton, CA(Zone 8b) Jan 16, 2011

I tasted some grown in the San Diego area that were pretty good, but I was warned to not eat too many. I can't remember the reason for the warning. Don

Post #8313532
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Fruits and Nuts Threads

Go to all Fruits and Nuts threads
BACK TO TOP