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Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon
California and Baja California (chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest)
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Heteromeles arbutifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the rose family (Rosaceae), reaching 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) tall and 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m) wide with a dense, rounded to irregular crown. The species is the only member of the genus Heteromeles. Leaves are alternate, elliptic to oblong, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, leathery, glossy dark green above with a serrate margin and a prominent midrib. In early summer (June-July), flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small, white, five-petalled flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across appear at branch tips — mildly fragrant and visited by bees and other pollinators. Fruit are round berries 0.25-0.3 inch (6-8 mm) in diameter, ripening from green through yellow to bright red in November-January — the persistent red fruit clusters during winter give the common name "Christmas berry" and are the origin of the name Hollywood (Holly-wood), California, where toyon was historically abundant on the hillsides. Fruit is consumed by cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, robins, and other birds — over 20 bird species documented. Native to the California chaparral and coastal sage scrub from Humboldt County south to Baja California. Adapted to summer drought, fire, and alkaline soil. The species resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire. In the Pacific Northwest, hardy to approximately 15°F (-9°C) — suited to the mildest sites west of the Cascades (zones 8b-9).
Native Range
Heteromeles arbutifolia is native to California and Baja California, from Humboldt County south to the Sierra San Pedro Mártir. It occurs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and mixed evergreen forest from sea level to approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a native California specimen shrub, hedge, or screen. The winter red berry display is a primary ornamental feature. The species supports critical wildlife habitat — the berries feed 20+ bird species and the flowers support native pollinators. Used in fire-adapted landscape design (firescaping) in California. In the Pacific Northwest, a marginal plant for the warmest zones only.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flat-topped corymbs of small white flowers form at branch tips from June through July. Each corymb contains 30-100+ individual flowers. Bloom period is 3-4 weeks. Pollination is by bees, flies, and beetles. Fruit develops from August, colouring to bright red by November, and persisting through January-February unless consumed by birds.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green, leatheryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Spacing is 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart. The species tolerates drought, poor soil, and alkaline conditions once established — established plants are not irrigated in summer except during extreme heat. In the Pacific Northwest, siting in the warmest, most sheltered location — south-facing wall or slope, with sharp winter drainage — supports survival. Protection from temperatures below 15°F (-9°C) matters at the cold edge of the range. No fertilisation needed.Pruning
Pruning takes place in late winter to shape the plant. The species tolerates moderate pruning — vigorous regrowth follows from the crown. Annual trimming maintains a hedge form. Crossing and dead branches are removed. Fruiting branches are not removed in autumn when the winter berry display is desired.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons