Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo
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 →
Pl. 318F — Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedoArbutus unedo
IOverview
Overview
The Strawberry tree is a perennial plant that can take the form of either a tree or a shrub, native to several regions including Albania, Algeria, and parts of France. It is known to be edible, with its fruit being the part that is consumed. This plant is found in a variety of habitats, including areas with dry to moist soil and light to medium soil types. It is adapted to a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can thrive in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5 and 5.5. One of its distinctive features is its ability to grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 9 meters. Its wide native range spans across the Mediterranean region, including countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Quick answers
What is Strawberry tree?
The Strawberry tree is a perennial plant that can take the form of either a tree or a shrub, native to several regions including Albania, Algeria, and parts of France. It is known to be edible, with its fruit being the part that is consumed.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Strawberry tree prefers well-draining soil with a light to medium texture and a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 5 to 5.5. It thrives in dry to moist conditions and requires moderate light. This perennial tree or shrub is hardy in zones 7-11. To propagate, gardeners can use standard methods, although specific details are not provided. With proper care, it can grow up to 9 meters tall and 7 meters wide, producing edible fruit that can be harvested and enjoyed.
Light
6/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
9.0 m × 7 m
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Strawberry tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting approach for the Strawberry tree, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Strawberry tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden spot that gets full sun.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up, ensuring there's no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 5 and 5.5. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into your prepared spot, making sure the root ball is at ground level.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree lightly to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest fruit when they turn red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of this plant is edible. It can be eaten raw or used in various preparations, but specific methods are not provided. The fruit is the part typically consumed, and it grows on a tree or shrub that prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5–5.5.
Other uses:TanninLumberEspalierFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 5 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 21 native· 5 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceIrelandItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (2)PortugalSpain
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Turkey-in-Europe, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Tasmania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 318f3d7f-1c4b-409c-8691-ca222d5f8b50
Decision aid
Choosing between Strawberry tree and something else?
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.