It is a broadleaf evergreen that has leaves that drop constantly. In addition, it loses its bark and flowers. The leaves are leathery, oval to oblong, 3 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide.
The Pacific Madrone is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It ranges from British Columbia to Southern California.
It is a broadleaf evergreen that has leaves that drop constantly. In addition, it loses its bark and flowers. The leaves are leathery, oval to oblong, 3 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide.
The fruit of the Madrone is orange or red, mealy and berrylike about .5 inches in diameter. The Madrone can reach a height of 100 feet and may be up to 4 feet in diameter. It's life expectancy is up to two centuries. Madrones thrive in many types of soil but it should be well drained. It also prefers mild oceanic winters where precipitation ranges from 15 to 150 inches.
The special characteristics of the Madrone is its showy flowers that bloom in May. The flowers have a sweet aroma that attracts bees and insects to pollinate them. It sheds its bark all summer leaving behind a thin smooth skin. It is also special because it provides fruit for several varieties of birds including pigeons and quail. Northwest Indians ate the berries and made small spoons and dippers from the roots. Madrone wood makes good firewood and charcoal. It has little commercial use but can be made into flooring and veneers. There is no mention of this tree being susceptible to a specific desease.
Researched and written by Jacob McPharlin
It is an evergreen tree having needles that are always green until they die. In addition, the Western Hemlock bares cones that fall under and around the tree. The tree can reach a height of 200 feet (60 meters) and can grow a diameter of 8 feet (2.4 meters). It has a life expectancy of 800 years. Western Hemlocks thrive in fine moist soil. It prefers a climate that is rainy and not too warm.
The Western Hemlock's special characteristics are being one of the larger evergreens and being the state tree of Washington State. It is also a special resource since it provides pulp and lumber. Of course, as is the case with most trees, the Western Hemlock can fall victim to many diseases. (see Western Hemlock on the "Canada Trees" page.
Researched and written by Paul Nolan