Pacific Madrone Tree Seeds | Madrona | (Arbutus menziesii)
Pacific Madrone Tree Seeds | Madrona | (Arbutus menziesii)
Iconic evergreen beauty, sculptural bark, and unmatched West Coast character.
Arbutus menziesii, commonly known as Pacific Madrone or Madrona, is one of the most distinctive native trees of the western United States. Native to the Pacific Coast from California through British Columbia, this evergreen broadleaf tree is prized for its smooth peeling cinnamon red bark, glossy dark green leaves, and elegant twisting form.
Pacific Madrone thrives in well drained soils and dry summer climates, making it an exceptional choice for drought tolerant landscapes, native plant gardens, and ecological restoration projects. Once established, it is extremely resilient and requires little intervention, rewarding growers with year round structure and seasonal interest.
Why Grow Pacific Madrone?
- Striking red bark that peels to reveal smooth green wood
- Evergreen foliage provides year round visual interest
- Drought tolerant once established
- Native West Coast species ideal for restoration
- Excellent wildlife habitat and food source
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Arbutus menziesii
- Common Names: Pacific Madrone, Madrona
- Germination Rate: 65%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Western USA
- Stratification: Cold moist stratification recommended
- USDA Zones: 7 to 10
- Soil: Well drained, rocky, or sandy soils preferred
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 30 to 75 ft tall x 20 to 40 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Flowers provide nectar for native bees and pollinators.
- Berries are an important food source for birds and mammals.
- Supports native forest ecosystems along the Pacific Coast.
Fun Facts
- Pacific Madrone is one of the few broadleaf evergreen trees native to North America.
- The bark naturally exfoliates each year, revealing smooth green and copper tones.
- Madrone wood is extremely dense and was historically used for tools and fuel.
Evergreen Seed Co. delivers premium, high germination native tree and shrub seeds for growers focused on restoration, resilience, and long term ecological impact. Each order includes detailed germination instructions and seed handling guidance for confident planting.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
