Toyon
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Heteromeles arbutifolia
Photo: PlantMasterToyon 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.
Toyon has white flowers in late spring or summer; in winter red berries appear. Photo: PlantMatser