• Common Name(s): Toyon, Christmas Berry, California Holly
• Scientific Name: Heteromeles arbutifolia
• Family: Rosaceae, Rose family
• Plant Type: evergreen shrub or tree
• Size: 6 to 25 feet high
• Common Habitat: Chaparral, ridges, slopes, woodland, coastal scrub

Toyon is most notable when the days shorten and weather turns colder. Its small, bright red berries add a splash of color to the slopes of our local mountains this time of year. It is said that Hollywood got its name due to this plant’s resemblance to holly.

Toyon’s oblong leaves are 2-4 inches long with pointed teeth. Small, white flowers appear in summer, and are frequented by bees. In late fall, these are replaced by pea-sized bright red berries, or pomes, that birds enjoy. Native peoples used this plant’s sweet and spicy berries in food and drink – not advisable nowadays as this plant is protected by State law. Sometimes the pomes are instead yellow, and there is reportedly a variation of this plant growing on the Channel Islands with larger berries.

This plant can be included in your garden; indeed you may notice it incorporated into the landscaping in our cities. Appearance will be improved if provided more water trimmed.

These photos were taken in late November, 2005 along the Mishe Mokwa trail. Chaparral Currant and Bay were also found to be in bloom at this time.

Contributed by Liz Baumann

Curious what was featured in past Plants of the Month? Search the Archives.

References:

Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, by Milt McAuley
Flowering Plants: The Santa Monica Mountains, Coastal and Chaparral Regions of Southern California, by Nancy Dale
Roadside Plants of Southern California, by Thomas J. Belzer
California Native Plants for the Garden, by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien
California Herbal Remedies, by LoLo Westrich

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