Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Toyon is a California native evergreen shrub that grows 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, sometimes larger. It has leathery, toothed, green leaves and small white flowers in spring or early summer. Clusters of bright red berries appear in winter, which is why this plant is sometimes called “Christmas berry.” In the early 1900s, residents of Los Angeles called this plant “California Holly” due to its resemblance to European holly (Ilex aquifolium). This led to the (mistaken) naming of “Hollywood.”

Toyon is an extremely tough plant that grows in most areas of California. It tolerates full sun, part shade, heat, smog, wind, drought, and heavy or light soils. It can take several years for toyon to become established, but then it does an excellent job of helping to prevent erosion on hillsides. Bees love the flowers and birds devour the berries. For best results, prune a little bit all year long or wait till August or September for a heavier prune. Toyon is a good choice for a screen or specimen plant. Deer will nibble on it if it’s irrigated.