Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 9FDDedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 18 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Ericaceae

Arizona Maderone

Arbutus arizonicafam. Ericaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibletall treesdrought tolerantedibleedible fruitnative amshade toleranttree
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Arbutus arizonica (Arizona Maderone) — botanical photograph
Pl. 9FDD — Arbutus arizonica
Arbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonicaArbutus arizonica
I

Overview

Arizona Maderone (Arbutus arizonica), a member of the Ericaceae family, is a single-stemmed tree native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of central, northeast, northwest, and southwest Mexico. This tree thrives in habitats that include well-drained, light to medium-textured soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Arizona Maderone is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can grow up to 15 meters tall, making it a distinctive presence in its growing regions. The fruit of the Arizona Maderone is edible and can be consumed fresh or dried, offering a valuable resource for those familiar with its uses. While the tree is not known for medicinal properties, its fruit provides a natural and sustainable food source. Arizona Maderone thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soils that are light (sandy) or medium-textured. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The plant requires dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to various water levels. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Harvest the edible fruit for use.

Quick answers

What is Arizona Maderone?

Arizona Maderone (Arbutus arizonica), a member of the Ericaceae family, is a single-stemmed tree native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of central, northeast, northwest, and southwest Mexico.

Compare with:Portuguese Crowberry→Arbutus x andrachnoides→Canary Madrona→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Arizona Maderone thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soils that are light (sandy) or medium-textured. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The plant requires dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to various water levels. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Harvest the edible fruit for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.4–8.4
For first-time growers

How to grow Arizona Maderone for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Arizona Maderone in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Arizona Maderone saplings, well-draining soil, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Arizona Maderone in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with a pH between 6.4–8.4, and has good drainage.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant saplings from containers into your garden bed, ensuring roots are not damaged.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to help it establish, but avoid overwatering. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in late winter.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune Arizona Maderone to maintain shape and remove dead branches, typically in late winter before new growth starts.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Arizona Maderone (Arbutus arizonica) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, it is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. Skip
Other uses:Fire starterLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 6 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, New Mexico
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Arbutus arizonica (Arizona Maderone) — botanical photograph
Arizona Maderone (Arbutus arizonica)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9fdd26d9-30a3-4634-b85b-fcd8a28a83d4
Decision aid
Choosing between Arizona Maderone and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes