W. North America, BC to California
"Pacific madrone is pollinated by bees. Hummingbirds have been observed feeding on Pacific madrone blossoms and may also pollinate the flowers. Pacific madrone seeds are dispersed largely by birds, but also by mule deer, rodents, and gravity." [1]
"Historically, West Coast tribes ate Pacific madrone berries and fashioned eating utensils from the bulbous roots. The leaves have been reported to possess medicinal properties. Fruit of Pacific madrone can be eaten raw, boiled, or steamed. Berries can be stored for a long time if boiled and dried." [1]
"Despite its regular shedding of both bark and leaves, Pacific madrone is a highly ornamental species, prized for its crooked beauty, colorful bark, showy flowers, and brightly colored fruits. Trees are cultivated for landscaping in both the United States and Europe. Pacific madrone is a well-known bee plant. Past commercial uses of Pacific madrone included utilization of the bark for tanning leathers and the wood for making charcoal for gunpowder." [1]
Reeves, Sonja L. 2007. Arbutus menziesii. In: Fire Effects Information System,. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/arbmen/all.html.
