Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Another One of my Favorite Trees: the Madrona
I recently shared a few of my favorite trees (here if you missed it) but didn’t have room to include them all. So this post is dedicated to another beauty – the Pacific Madrona – or Madrone if you prefer.
A native of the Pacific Northwest – just like me – I love its blistering red cinnamon bark, peeling away to reveal smooth pistachio beneath.
They love to hang out on bluffs and cliffs over water – as here at Deception Pass. I can still see them in my mind’s eye looking just like this, hovering over Hood Canal where I spent many summers as a child.
I found this giant beauty on a walk at Lincoln Park
and this one at Seward Park glistening in the rain.
Native Americans used all parts of the Madrona for food and medicinal purposes. Many birds and mammals eat the berries and use the trees for nesting. Beautiful at sunset this one positively glowed at Seward Park.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Very unusual. I have never seen a tree like that. No wonder it is one of your favourites. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks so much Pete. It’s a beauty! And it’s good to see you back in the blogosphere! 🙂
I had never heard of this, what a fascinating tree! The variations in the bark are quite beautiful.
Yes, it’s truly a special tree. I’m happy to share it with you! Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
I love those trees too! Each one looks so different!
Up here people call them Arbutus trees.
Aren’t they wonderful! The scientific name is Arbutus menziesii, but Madrona sounds prettier, don’t you think? 🙂
I had not heard of Madrona trees but these are fantastic! Wow, they are breathtakingly beautiful. Your photos always make me want to be there 🙂 ❤ Thank you for sharing these beauties with us!
Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the Madrona trees of the Pacific Northwest! . 🙂
Beautiful trees, one of my favorites also. Seems like several years back they were being attacked by a fungus or insect. Are they still having problems.
I’m not sure. The ones I saw seemed healthy.
Nice photos! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Happy to share! 😊