Arbutus xalapensis is a large shrub or small to medium-sized evergreen tree growing to 5–25 meters (17–84 feet) tall with a trunk up to 50 cm (20 inches) in diameter, with smooth orange-brown bark peeling in thin sheets.

Arbutus xalapensis, Texas madrone, is a small multi-stemmed evergreen tree. It has ornamental flowers and fruit and striking exfoliating bark. This tree prefers full sun to part-shade and has a low to medium water requirement.

As well as very fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by red fruit (sometimes copious), its bark is perhaps the most spectacular of all in the genus: it is a highlight of its native habitats (Nored 2011, Martin et al. 1998).

SPECIES: Arbutus xalapensis GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : Texas madrone grows as an evergreen tree or, less commonly, as a large shrub which reaches 20 or 30 feet (0.6-1.1 m) in height [ 12 ].

Arbutus xalapensis, commonly known as the Texas madrone, naked Indian tree or Texas madroño, is a species of flowering plant in the heather family. It is native to Central America, the southwestern United States (western Texas and New Mexico), and throughout Mexico.

Arbutus xalapensis is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer.

Local names: Throughout its range Arbutus xalapensis is called madrone (English), madroño (Spanish), less frequently madroña (Spanish), or simply madrón (Spanish). Additional vernacular names: encino roble, flora de pulca, guayavillo, indio desnudo, kurúvasi or korúvasi, madroño colorado, nuzu-ndu, pách-sich-ách-mixe, urúbasi, and ya ...

Arbutus xalapensis Kunth. Common name: Texas Madrone, Xalapa Madrone. Phenology: Feb-Apr. Habitat: Rocky slopes and hills. Distribution: C. TX, w. TX, and se. NM south to s. Mexico and Guatemala. Origin/Endemic status: Native. Synonymy ⓘ: = FNA8, K3, Meso4.1, Mex, NcTx, Tx. Links to other floras: = Arbutus xalapensis - FNA8. Show in key(s)

Its colorful, exfoliating outer bark reveals polished, red, inner bark. Stout, crooked, spreading branches form a distinct crown. Dark-green, leaves are red-tinged on edges and undersides. Petioles up to 1 1/4 inches long, blades to 3 1/2 inches long, ovate to elliptic, of a leathery texture, margins usually smooth.

Arbutus xalapensis is frequent in the Edwards Plateau hill country southwest of Austin, Texas, where it is associated with junipers, oaks, and mesquite at moderate elevations. Westward, in the Chisos, Davis, and Guadalupe mountains, it occurs in the pinyon-juniper zone at higher elevations (to 2200 meters).