Madrone Tree Struggles for Life

Trail Thoughts and Musings

The shiny, magnolia-like leaves of this red-barked evergreen tree identify it as a madrone. It is a close relative to the huckleberry, which is also commonly found in the redwood forest. Madrones thrive in relatively cool, moist areas that get full sunlight. The search for sunlight in this generally dark forest has resulted in the odd growth patterns seen here.