Strawberry Trees National Collection

These are not real Strawberries! Dunster's gardeners do however care for the National Collection of Arbutus; commonly referred to as the Strawberry Tree.

Q: Why is it called a Strawberry Tree? After flowering late in the year, the plant sets fruit which are globe shaped, these grow for a whole year to approximately 2cm diameter. The fruit ripens to bright red just as the next seasons flowers appear (Late autumn - early winter,) providing an unusual display of flowers and fruit at the same time. It is from this 'strawberry' like fruit that the plants name originates.

Q: Can I eat them? Yes. They are edible when they are ripe although the taste is a little bitter to say the least. In fact, the meaning of its botanical name 'unedo' can be broken down to mean "I eat [only] one", - presumably because they taste nothing like real strawberries!

Q: Where can I see them at Dunster? The Strawberry trees have been planted around the south and eastern slopes of the torre to form a hanging wood of Arbutus. Hrad for the Fuchsia Path, this path starts from the main castle drive and proceeds downhill towards the river. The Arbutus Walk adjoins the Fuchsia Path; it is a short section of terraced path that terminates at a bench with a viewpoint over the river Avill.

Q: Where do they come from? Strawberry trees (Arbutus) originate from the western Mediterranean region, including Greece and Turkey. Arbutus is also native to SW Ireland where they acquired another common name of the Killarney Strawberry Tree. Arbutus were reputedly first introduced to Britain in the late 1500's.

Q: How do they grow? The standard Arbutus is a very attractive large shrub or small evergreen tree. It can grow as a single or multi stemmed plant to heights of six metres plus. The main stems often exhibit flaky bark in rich shades; of brown. The leaves are elliptical, dark green, glossy and small (Approx' 6cm long.) The flowers are white (Sometimes kissed with pink,) 'bell' shaped, less than 1cm in diameter but hang down in racemes or small bunches - along with the previous seasons fruit.

Interesting facts:

Arbutus are part of the Ericaceae family or Heath family, this makes them relatives of Rhododendrons and Heathers to name but two. Despite Ericaceae family members preferring Acidic soil, Arbutus are . surprisingly tolerant of lime.

• The fruit is edible when ripe if a little bitter. It has been successfully used in preserves and wines]
• Peelings from the trees bark has been known to be used as a source of brown dye and tannin.
• Strawberry trees were used by the Romans to deter evil and protect children!
• Arbutus wood is hard and is utilised in fine furniture, it also makes good charcoal.
• Virgil suggested using its branches as winter food for goats as well as for basket weaving. Birds are said to enjoy its winter fruit, particularly Thrushes and Blackbirds.

Further information on Strawberry trees grown at Dunster can be obtained by contacting: 01643 821314 or by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contributed by: James Yandle