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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Heteromeles arbutifolia (Lindl.) M. Roemer

Toyon, California-Christmas-berry, Christmas berry, California holly

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonyms: Heteromeles arbutifolia var. arbutifolia, Photinia arbutifolia

USDA Symbol: HEAR5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A freely branched, evergreen shrub or small tree which can grow 15-20 ft. tall but usually is 6-8 ft. high and 4-5 ft. wide. Leathery, dark-green leaves provide a background for profuse white blooms and long-lasting displays of bright-red berries. The flowers and berries occur in large, terminal clusters. One of the most beautiful native shrubs or small trees, evergreen, with short trunk, many branches, and rounded crown.

The only species in its genus, Toyon is very showy in winter with evergreen leaves and abundant red fruit and is popular for Christmas decorations. A pioneer plant on eroded soil, it sprouts vigorously after fire or cutting. The common name Toyon apparently is of American Indian origin.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , HI
Native Distribution: CA & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Semi-dry, brushy slopes, foothills & canyons below 4000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Poor, dry soil.
Conditions Comments: Adaptable, long-lived and drought-tolerant. Berries last from Nov. to Feb. Susceptible to fire blight and black mildew, especially near the coast. Tolerates serpentine soil. Exhibits allelopathic tendencies.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Birds eat berries.
Use Food: Indigenous peoples cooked and ate the berries.
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seed is possible but germination is slow.
Seed Collection: Hand snips are needed to clup the fruits. Place fruits in a warm place and allow to ferment to aid in the extraction of seeds.
Commercially Avail: yes

PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Cotoneaster apiculatus (cranberry cotoneaster)
   Cotoneaster franchetii (orange cotoneaster)
   Cotoneaster lacteus (milkflower cotoneaster)
   Cotoneaster pannosus (silverleaf cotoneaster)
   Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian peppertree)

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I have a small backyard and very close to my neighbor.I want to plant trees that grow 15/20 high that can work as a screen although I have to be very carefull with envasive roots also I have two small kids that love to be outside. Any suggestion?
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski and Wasowski
Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Heteromeles arbutifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Heteromeles arbutifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Heteromeles arbutifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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