Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia
Looks great all 4 seasons – large clusters of flowers in spring/summer, gorgeous red berries in fall/winter, and attractive foliage throughout the year. Hollywood was named after Toyon, because this "holly" covered the hillsides.
Plant Type: Small Tree/Shrub
Size: 6 - 15 ft tall, 5 - 15 ft wide
Form: Rounded
Growth Rate: Fast, Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Dormancy: Evergreen
Wildlife Supported: Birds, Butterflies, Caterpillars
Landscaping Information
Sun: Part Shade (understory shrub, usually north-facing slope)
Moisture: Very Low, Low
Cold Tolerance: Tolerates cold to 0° F
Summer Irrigation: Max 2x/month once established
Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow (adaptable)
Common Uses: Privacy screen. Plant as a single specimen plant or in a group. Edible but tastes awful. Since contains cyanide, it is best to volatilize by cooking.
Natural Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest