Arbutus unedo the Strawberry Tree

Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a)

Two weeks ago it had both flowers and fruits (from last years flowers), which was interesting and pretty. This week there are few flowers left, but the fruits are now all bright red, and the ground is so red from fallen fruits you can see it from a block away. Sorry about the bad focus, I did not want to be late for work so all these shots were taken in about 45 seconds. I knew it was my one chance. What a great little tree with lots of "character". It grows in Seattle on the west side of a brick building.

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Vienna, VA(Zone 7a)

The photos are fine, mlm. That's a neat tree. Are the "strawberries" edible?

Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Edible, but not very palatable - tasteless, and with rather gritty skin.

The species name unedo means "I only eat one".

Resin

Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a)

Resin I just burst out laughing!

Vienna, VA(Zone 7a)

mlm, you'll have to try one and see if the species name is fitting. We expect a full report!

Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a)

Resin is correct. I ate two. Slightly gritty, otherwise sort of mushy. Just a hint of sweetness, and a hint of acidity, but no real odor or flavor. No aftertaste. If I was a wild food subsistence kind of person, I would probably combine it half and half with blackberries for jam.

Vienna, VA(Zone 7a)

Interesting! I found an interesting article about it: http://www.eattheweeds.com/the-strawberry-tree-curse-2/
It even has recipes and a poem about Arbutus.

(Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a)

Quote from Resin :
Edible, but not very palatable - tasteless, and with rather gritty skin.

The species name unedo means "I only eat one".

Resin


Lol...me too! Thanks for the entertainment. Otherwise, a beautiful little tree.

Thanks for sharing and the grand gesture of taste testing MLM.

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