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California Native Plant

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Toyon, Christmas Berry, Calif. Holl

Plant photo of: Heteromeles arbutifolia
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Information by:         Photographer: West/Normans/Frommer

 

Description

Toyon is a California native evergreen shrub/small tree that grows 20'-25' high and spreading 15'. It has leathery toothed leaves, white summer flowers and clusters of red winter berries. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, heat, smog, wind and heavy or light soils. It is drought tolerant, attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Wildlife love the berries. It's used as a screen or small shade tree. Very reliable and hardy.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

Accenting Features

n/a

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Fix leaking sprinklers, valves, and pipes.

One broken spray sprinkler can waste 10 gallons per minute - or 100 gallons in a typical 10 minute watering cycle.