California holly

Toyon, Christmas Berry,
California Holly
Heteromeles arbutifolia

California holly

Heteromeles arbutifolia
Large shrub or multi-trunk tree from 15 to 25
feet high and wide

Shape/Size
Large shrub or multi-trunk tree from 15 to 25 feet high and wide.

Leaves
Simple dark green leaves 3 to 5 inches long with small teeth on the margins. The leaves have a waxy coating that helps protect against water loss and fire damage.

Flower/Fruit
Creamy white flowers blooming May to August. Fruit is a cluster of showy red or orange berries produced late October to January. Provides a valuable source of food for wildlife, especially birds.

Range
Throughout Los Angeles County from coastal zone to the inland valleys. i
Flammability - Low to Moderate. II

Maintenance
The Toyon is the most desirable of the native species for aesthetics, erosion control and fire safety. Recommend limbing of lower branches (about one-third the height ofthe plant) and maintain free of dead material at all times.