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.”

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