Definition of Arbutus

North American members of the genus are called Madrones, from the Spanish name madroño. The European species are called Strawberry Trees from the superficial resemblance of the fruit to a strawberry; some species are sometimes referred to simply as the "Arbutus". Curiously, the name "Madrone" is used south of the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon/northern California and the name "Madrona" is used north of the Siskiyou Mountains according to the "Sunset Western Garden Book". North of the Canadian border, the name "Arbutus" is commonly used. All refer to the same tree, Arbutus menziesii, native to the Pacific Northwest and Northern California regions.