Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo
Also called Cane apple and Killarney strawberry tree
Garden plant · TreesIt carries this year's flowers and last year's fruit at the same time, which almost nothing does. RHS says the fruit are ornamental and not to be eaten.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, sheltered from cold drying winds
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 6 m tall · 6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- The Mediterranean and western Ireland
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The fruit.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-10.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.