Heteromeles arbutifolia

Showy red berries in mid-winter give this dense 8-12' shrub its name; leathery evergreen leaves and clusters of white flowers make it attractive year-round. S-PSh/M-D/GDr

This evergreen shrub to small tree grows to 15 feet tall and is a great choice for erosion control, fire resistance, and as an informal hedge in the landscape. With little pruning required, Toyon's pretty red winter berries attracts birds and bees. This is also an important nectar plant for the California Tortoiseshell butterfly. For crafty folks, the berries and dark green leaves make useful decorations around the holidays. Additionally, Hollywood was named for Toyon berries. Attractive in flower as well as fruit, this native, noninvasive alternative to firethorn or cotoneaster is a must for bird-friendly gardens. Native to California and is found only slightly beyond California borders. The berries feed many species of birds and the flowers produce nectar for butterflies such as the California Tortoiseshell butterfly. In the 1920s, collecting toyon branches for Christmas became so popular in Los Angeles, California that the State of California passed a law forbidding collecting on public land or on any land not owned by the person picking the plant without the landowner's written permission. Found in canyons, slopes. Communitites located in Chaparral, Coastal sage scrub Between 0 and 4000 feet.

Evergreen shrub or small, multi-branched tree to 25' tall bearing thick, leathery, dark green leaves 2-4" long with toothed margins. Small, white flowers produced in clusters from late May to July are followed by bright red berries in clusters that attract birds from November to January. The showy, holly-like berries are often used in holiday decorations and led to the naming of Hollywood, whose hills were once covered by this rugged, California native. Though often slow to establish, we feel strongly that this sturdy shrub is worth the wait. Plants crown sprout reliably after fire, making toyon a good choice for dry slopes where its impressive root structure performs the herculean task of holding the earth in place. Prefers full sun or partial shade and tolerates aridity and drought, though its appearance in the garden is improved with occasional summer water. Excellent as a screen, in bank plantings or mixed with oaks. Hardy to 10F or less. California.