Arbutus unedo

Strawberry-tree

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
10m 1
9m 5
5m, exceptionally 15m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Globular 1
Domed 3
4-8m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (94 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Dense 15

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Evergreen 1

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Low to moderate 89

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Unknown

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices well 8

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Shelter from cold winds 12, watering 14

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
Minimal or no pruning 1
Pruning generally unnecessary 6

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Late winter to early spring 2

Arbutus-unedo-by-Bee-Happy-Plants-&-Seeds

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Fruits – fresh, jams, liquers 69

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: –

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Fuelwood, charcoal 9

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Leaves have medicinal properties 9

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: 3-5 years to flowering and fruiting 7

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: –

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Likely low
Medium-term (40 years): Likely low
Long-term (60 years): Likely low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Recent introduction (neophyte) – naturalised 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely moderate value, with highest value to bees 6

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Sep-Dec 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: High 6

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: None known

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Low
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to phytophthora, arbutus leaf spot and honey fungus 214

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Low
Generally pest-free, may be susceptible to viburnum whitefly and aphids 214

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Likely low
Birds can damage fruits 14