Ericaceae -- Heath family

    Philip M. McDonald and John C. Tappeiner, II

    Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is  one of the most widely distributed tree species native to the  Pacific coast. Named for its discoverer, Archibald Menzies, a  19th century Scottish physician and naturalist, the species is  called arbutus in Canada, and madrone, madroñia, or madroño  in the United States. The latter name is ascribed to Father Juan  Crespi, chronicler of the 1769 Portola expedition.

    Although examples of fine furniture and attractive  veneer from madrone are common, utilization is far below  potential and management is almost nil.