Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus Unedo )

The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is a charming evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Europe. Typically growing between 10-30 feet (3-9 meters) in height, it features glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive, bell-shaped white to pink flowers that bloom in late autumn to early winter. These flowers give way to small, round, strawberry-like fruits that turn a bright red or orange as they ripen, usually in the following autumn. While the fruit is edible and can be used in jams, jellies, and liqueurs, it has a unique flavor that may not be universally appealing. The Strawberry Tree is valued not only for its attractive fruits but also for its ornamental qualities, as it provides year-round interest with its flowers, fruits, and evergreen foliage. Thriving in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, this resilient tree is often used in gardens and landscapes, contributing to biodiversity by attracting various pollinators and wildlife.