A few days ago I got into my car, which I’d parked under the tree next to my house, and noticed a lot of Madrone bark had fallen onto the window. It reminded me that Pacific Madrone is a tree that Native Americans here in the Klamath River Valley used for medicine, years ago.

The berries of the Pacific Madrone mature around November. In centuries past, they were gathered to use as food, though eating many at one time is not recommended. I have tasted them, and find them either bitter or tasteless with a dark red outer peel and a white interior. I imagine that they could have been a great treat for Native Americans, prior to the proliferation of sugary treats we’re now accustomed to. But since our taste buds have been spoiled by ice cream, candy, and cookies, Madrone berries don’t hold quite the same attraction they might have two hundred years ago.

My son used to always gather Madrone berries to string together before the winter holidays - they make attractive country-style garlands on a Christmas tree, or hung above windows.

Madrone bark curls and peels naturally from the trees, so you don’t have to worry about hurting a tree for the bark. It is easy to gather. Native Americans brewed the tea to use topically on wounds and sores. It was also used to settle upset stomachs, but I’ve never used it internally and don’t know how safe that is.

The Pacific Madrone grows all along the USA West Coast from Santa Barbara to Washington. There’s another variety of Madrone that grows in Texas. For you who are amateur herbalists - if you don’t live in one of these locations, and would like a sample of Madrone bark for your collection, feel free to email your address to me. I’m willing to mail out an envelope full of bark so long as I’m living in the Klamath River Valley. I’m surrounded by madrone trees, and the bark here is plenteous.