Madrone Ecology

The wide-spreading root system is associated with ericoid mycorrhiza. The fungus is characterized by “coils” that form in the epidermal cells of the fine hair roots of ericaceous species. The fungi colonize the root cells and establish hyphal networks around the roots, providing increased water and nutrient absorption while the plant in turn provides the fungus with carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi also have hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes that are important in mobilizing nutrients from organic matter and leaf litter. This is a big reason for madrone’s ability to persist through drought and thrive in relatively harsh conditions such as rocky bluffs or soils we may characterize as "nutrient deficient."

There has also been investigation into the symbiotic associations between the madrone soil community and links to nearby Douglas-fir that may assist with disease resistance in madrone.

Madrone superpower: lignotuber. Where the base of the stem meets the ground is a woody swelling of the root crown. A more vague term is "burl." It can be more pronounced in some trees more than others. This portion of the tree contains dromant buds and stores carbohydrates and nutrients necessary for bud development that supports growth and where new stems can sprout vegetatively. This reproductive strategy has commonly evolved in perennial shrubs of Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Thousands of meristematic foci may be present. Similar to stem cells, undifferentiated cells and tissue are capable of growing and changing into new shoots in response to fire or other damage. This is what allows the trees to "resprout" or replace stems that have been lost.

Madrone flowers are fragrant and show up as large drooping clusters referred to as panicles of small, white, urn-shaped flowers. "Urn"= resembles an upside down rounded vase. The species has both male and female organs; the plant is self-fertile.

Flowering period: starts in April and ends by June across the species range

calyx is 5-parted surrounding the urn-shaped, united petals | petals are 6-7 mm long | ovary superior | 10 stamens with pilose filaments near the base | anthers are awned from the back to near the tip, and open by terminal slitlike pores

Bees are the principle pollinator though flies and ants are attracted to the nectar. If you are lucky you might see a hummingbird visiting the flowers.