Friday, May 27, 2011
Hundreds Of Madrone Trees Dying In San Juan Islands
Read the article on KIRO news:
http://www.kirotv.com/news/28040182/detail.html
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Pacific Madrones grace the HREC landscape.
http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=4919
Friday, May 13, 2011
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/#ixzz1MGknBuSnRead more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/may/10/peg-tillery-winter-plant-damage-151-and-recovery/#ixzz1MGkTrxSV
Are the madronas dying?
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.”