Arbutus menziesii
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64400a079343d507848172 |
| Scientific name | Arbutus menziesii |
| Authority | Pursh |
| First published in | Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 282 (1813) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
In the Pacific Northwest, the evergreen leaves of Pacific madrone have long been made into infusions for urinary complaints. Among the Nlaka’pamux of the British Columbia interior, infusions of madrone leaf were taken to promote urination and treat “painful urine” (Turner et al., 1990). Coast Salish peoples of Washington and British Columbia also used a weak leaf infusion as a diuretic, while the Nootka of Vancouver Island made it a gargle for sore throat, steam inhalation for colds and coughs, and poultice of boiled leaves for sore muscles (Pojar and MacKinnon, 2004). Okanagan-Colville people in the interior likewise drank a leaf infusion for urinary difficulties (Moerman, 1998). These records match the pharmacognosy of the species, whose leaves contain the urinary antiseptic hydroquinone glycoside arbutin along with ursolic and oleanolic acids and significant tannins (O’Kennedy and Kremer, 1996).
For a simple soothing infusion, measure 1–2 teaspoons (about 1–2 g) of dried madrone leaf into a teapot or cup, pour over 8–10 fl oz (240–300 mL) of just‑boiled water, and steep covered for 10–15 minutes. Strain and sip up to 1–2 cups daily as needed. A more astringent gargle for a sore throat uses 3–4 teaspoons (≈3–4 g) of leaf in the same volume of water, steeped 10–15 minutes and used 2–3 times a day. Safety: madrone contains arbutin, which releases hydroquinone in the gut; use caution with kidney disease, liver disease, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discontinue if stomach upset or dark urine develops and consult a qualified clinician.
Well‑documented constituents in Arbutus menziesii leaves explain these uses. Arbutin converts to hydroquinone, an antibacterial agent active against common urinary pathogens; ursolic and oleanolic acids have documented diuretic and anti‑inflammatory activity, while condensed tannins contribute an astringent effect helpful for sore throat and skin poultices (O’Kennedy and Kremer, 1996; O’Leary and Altland, 1957). These compounds align with the traditional practice of taking leaf infusions for genitourinary relief and using them topically for inflammatory or microbial irritation.
Commercial herbal suppliers still carry madrone leaf for teas and astringent gargles, and researchers continue to explore its antimicrobial and diuretic potential (O’Kennedy and Kremer, 1996). At the same time, Indigenous knowledge remains strong, with coastal communities of the Kwakwaka’wakw region retaining the practice of madrone leaf steam inhalation for colds and as a poultice for sore muscles (Turner et al., 1990; Pojar and MacKinnon, 2004).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Arbutus menziesii is occasionally harvested for fuelwood, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Coarse, split firewood and low-temperature charcoal are the most consistent products from this species.
Industrial and craft applications:
The tree is seldom sawn into lumber. When used, its wood is made into small specialty items (e.g., small turned objects, novelties), tool handles, and furniture parts where durability and workability allow; it is not a major timber commodity. Bark has historical use in crafts and as a rough fiber for ties and lashings, with limited commercial relevance today.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Fruits are occasionally used as flavoring and incorporated into beverages (e.g., syrups, infusions) as a culinary ingredient, without health claims. Processing is typically simple reduction and/or dilution as a flavoring element.
Colorants and tanning:
Bark has been used as a source of brown dyes for wool and protein fibers, and historically as a source of tannins for leather tanning; these are historically notable but not widely used today.
Wood and fiber:
The wood is described as hard, dense, and close-grained, with light reddish-brown to orange heartwood and pale sapwood, suitable for turning and specialty applications. Bark fibers are coarse.
Properties relevant to use:
High density (approaching or exceeding 0.70 g/cm³) and a dense, fine grain support burning performance and certain turned-wood uses. Bark contains hydrolyzable tannins relevant to historical dyeing and tanning. Fruit is used as a flavoring ingredient.
Standards and regulation:
No species-specific standards or regulatory frameworks are documented for this taxon.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Arbutus menziesii is a minor component in forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Although locally abundant, selective removal for fuelwood or small specialty items generally yields low volumes and has limited ecological impact at the stand scale; any harvesting should follow local forest management guidelines.
References: Tucker (1979, Flora of California); USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station; Calflora.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Arbutus menziesii var. elliptica | DC. | Prodr. 7: 582 (1839) |
| Arbutus menziesii var. oblongifolia | DC. | Prodr. 7: 582 (1839) |
| Arbutus procera | Douglas ex Lindl. | Edwards's Bot. Reg. 21: t. 1753 (1835) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | bearberry |
| English | madrone |
| English | madrona |
| English | pacific madrone |
| Arabic | قطلب منزي |
| Catalan | arboç del pacífic |
| Czech | planika menziesova |
| German | madrone |
| German | amerikanischer erdbeerbaum |
| Esperanto | menzies-arbuto |
| Finnish | kalifornianmansikkapuu |
| Hebrew | קטלב קליפורני |
| Hungarian | kaliforniai szamócafa |
| Japanese | マドローネ |
| Norwegian Bokmål | madrona |
| Russian | Земляничное дерево Менциса |
| Russian | Земляничник Менциса |
| Slovenian | jagodičnica |
| Slovenian | pacifiška madrona |
| Chinese | 草莓樹 |
| Chinese | 太平洋熊莓 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Northern America click to expand
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Mexico
- Mexico Northwest
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Northwestern U.S.A.
- Oregon
- Washington
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Southwestern U.S.A.
- California
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Western Canada
- British Columbia
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Mexico
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000543147 |
| UNII | 3178O591CY |
| Canadensys | 5490 |
| USDA Plants | ARME |
| Tropicos | 12302436 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326479-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-2646696 |
| Missouri Botanical Garden | 280006 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 214287 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 82758 |
| Nature Serve | 2.133817 |
| IUCN Red List | 61220272 |
| IPNI | 326479-1 |
| iNaturalist | 51046 |
| GBIF | 2882802 |
| Freebase | /m/02n5_s |
| FEIS | plants/tree/arbmen |
| EPPO | ARDME |
| EOL | 582128 |
| Calflora (Californian flora) | 506 |
| USDA GRIN | 316002 |
| Wikipedia | Arbutus_menziesii |
| CMAUP | NPO17602 |
| PFAF | Arbutus menziesii |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
Below is displayed the reference genome only!
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
| Accession | Assembly | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Level | Submitter | Released | Coverage | Size | |
| GCA_046127765.1 | ddArbMenz1_p1.1 | Contig | Canada's national platform for genome sequencing and analysis | 2024-12-17 | 49.85 | 411.12 Mb |
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
| Title | Authors | Publication | Released | IDs | ||||||
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| Commodity risk assessment of Cornus alba and Cornus sanguinea plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Gonthier P, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Civera AV, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Manda RR, Schulz OM, Kariampa P, Akrivou A, Antonatos S, Beris D, Debode J, Kritikos C, Kormpi M, Manceau C, Papachristos D, Reppa C, Gardi C, Potting R | EFSA J | 12-Mar-2024 |
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| The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered | Spirin V, Runnel K, Vlasák J, Viner I, Barrett MD, Ryvarden L, Bernicchia A, Rivoire B, Ainsworth AM, Grebenc T, Cartabia M, Niemelä T, Larsson KH, Miettinen O | Stud Mycol | 22-Feb-2024 |
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| The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in plant abiotic stress | Wang Q, Liu M, Wang Z, Li J, Liu K, Huang D | Front Microbiol | 18-Jan-2024 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Corylus avellana plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Civera AV, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 12-Jan-2024 |
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| Metal toxin threat in wildland fires determined by geology and fire severity | Lopez AM, Pacheco JL, Fendorf S | Nat Commun | 12-Dec-2023 |
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| Broadening the Knowledge of Mexican Boletes: Addition of a New Genus, Seven New Species, and Three New Combinations | Ayala-Vásquez O, Pérez-Moreno J, Pinzón JP, Garibay-Orijel R, García-Jiménez J, de la Fuente JI, Venegas-Barrera CS, Martínez-Reyes M, Montoya L, Bandala V, Aguirre-Acosta CE, Martínez-González CR, Hernández-Del Valle JF | J Fungi (Basel) | 21-Nov-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Quercus petraea plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 30-Oct-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Quercus robur plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 30-Oct-2023 |
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| Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review | Derviş S, Özer G | J Fungi (Basel) | 26-Oct-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Fagus sylvatica plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Gardi C, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 28-Jul-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Acer pseudoplatanus plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Gardi C, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 06-Jul-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Acer platanoides plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Gardi C, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 06-Jul-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Acer campestre plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Gardi C, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 06-Jul-2023 |
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| Commodity risk assessment of Acer palmatum plants from the UK | Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Battisti A, Mas H, Rigling D, Faccoli M, Gardi C, Iacopetti G, Mikulová A, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Stergulc F, Streissl F, Gonthier P | EFSA J | 06-Jul-2023 |
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| Measurements of Atmosphere–Biosphere Exchange of Oxidized Nitrogen and Implications for the Chemistry of Atmospheric NOx | Delaria ER, Cohen RC | Acc Chem Res | 22-Jun-2023 |
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |