Madrone seedlings

The extra seedlings we had from the common garden project are no longer available. Watch this space to find out when we have more extra seedlings.

The seedlings have been planted in the common gardens for one year and first year measurements are being taken this winter. We are already seeing differences among families. Read about it and see photos here:
http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/madrone/research/common_garden/index.htm

Madrone seedlings available

We have extra seedlings from the common garden project available for planting. Seed sources were from the WSU seed collection representing the range of Pacific madrone. Read more about what is available and see representative photos here:

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/madrone/research/common_garden/extra_seedlings.htm

Hundreds Of Madrone Trees Dying In San Juan Islands

They're probably not really dying, but they have severe leaf blight. Unless the blight and cold damage have killed the buds, new foliage will replace the dead foliage. The trees will appear healthy by summer, if we have a summer this year.

Read the article on KIRO news:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/28040182/detail.html

Pacific Madrones grace the HREC landscape.

A nice photo of a large, mature tree at the Hopland REC in California.

http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=4919

Winter plant damage — and recovery

PEG TILLERY | Winter plant damage — and recovery

What a dismal winter and spring we've had so far. At least during May we've had some nice sunny days. But when even optimistic and venerable veggie grower Chris Smith says to wait until things warm up to plant seeds, we can allow ourselves to be a bit pessimistic.

While we're talking about this sad topic here's the winter damage report — but after we digest it, let's move on to optimism and ideas about a hopefully wonderful gardening season ahead.Madrones (Arbutus menzeseii): These venerable trees seem to be failing big-time. The last two years of nearly constant rain have contributed largely to the release of a plethora of fungi that have attacked our Madrones. There are more than 18 species of fungi impacting these magnificent trees. Additionally phytophthoras and other root rot diseases also attack.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/may/10/peg-tillery-winter-plant-damage-151-and-recovery/#ixzz1MGknBuSn


Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/may/10/peg-tillery-winter-plant-damage-151-and-recovery/#ixzz1MGkTrxSV

Are the madronas dying?

By MEREDITH GRIFFITH
Islands Sounder Reporter
May 11 2011, 3:30 PM

Twisted and curled, their peeling bark a patina of reddish gold, madrona trees are for many here a beloved symbol of the islands’ uniqueness and stubborn independence. They thrive in rocky soil, perched along the cliffs, enduring beating rain and wind.

Entirely ornamental, their berries are inedible and their wood isn’t much use for firewood or building things. Yet we adore them, the only native broad-leafed evergreen tree.

This year, “we’ve been getting a lot of calls from all the islands,” said San Juan County WSU Extension office manager Susan Herrera. “People are concerned... This seems to be the worst year that we have had for the madronas; they look like they’re dying.”

read the rest of the article

True Plant Stories: The Pacific Madrone

By Gary Gragg
Contra Costa Times correspondent

"WITH ITS broad-leaved, evergreen foliage, shiny red bark, pink urn-shaped flowers, festive multicolored fruit of orange and yellow, and crooked maroon trunk, it is arguably the most beautiful tree in the world. But it doesn't hail from some a far off exotic land or tropical isle.

No, it's simply our native and under-appreciated Pacific madrone."

Read more here. At the end of the article is some useful information about transplanting madrone.