Plant Details

Arbutus unedoxaera

Strawberry Tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Arbutus unedoxaera.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Strawberry Tree
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Aardbeienboom
French
  • Arbousier
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Arbutus unedoxaera
Botanical family: Ericaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Arbutus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Strawberry Tree

Plant characteristics

Layer: Fruit tree
Catalogue size class: Medium
Height: 9.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Growth rate: Slow
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-11
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Fruit
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Wood, Fragrant

Description

The botanical fruit, which can be eaten both raw and cooked, is known to be somewhat sweet yet subtly flavored. Despite the Latin name 'unedo', which means 'I eat only one', various reports have contradictory opinions about the taste of this fruit. The fruit has a somewhat dull skin, but the flesh itself has a texture similar to lush tropical fruit and a delicate, pleasant flavor. For those with sensitive taste buds, this fruit can be enjoyed in moderate amounts. With a sugar content of about 20%, the fruit can be used to make delicious and nutritious jams and jellies. Ripe in November/December, the fruit has a diameter of about 15 mm. When fully ripe, the fruit falls from the tree; therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in short grass to catch the falling fruit.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/10
Harvest ends: 31/12

Crown

Crown shape: Broad ovoid
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 736522; name ID 2646647; Arbutus L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.