A few things about the arbutus tree…

In the luscious forest green of the Pacific Northwest, the Arbutus tree grows gracefully tall and strong. Each tree is unique in its curve and form, growing and shedding its evergreen leaves throughout the seasons. An Arbutus tree sheds half of its bark each year to renew itself and the new green bark quickly photosynthesizes to then nourish itself.

The tree has dense and resilient wood which helps it survive through summer drought. When the tree is damaged from forest fires it will grow fresh sprouts, ready for life after a traumatic loss. An Arbutus tree’s white flowers feed bees during the spring, and its red-orange berries feed countless birds in the fall. An Arbutus tree never grows straight and is never the same as another.

Instead, it will curve, bend and reveal its own unique shape. After all, what does not bend will often break.