TOYON
Heteromeles arbutifolia
FAMILY Rosaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
CHRISTMAS BERRY
CALIFORNIA HOLLY
CHRISTMASBERRY
See: all Heteromeles
GENERAL INFO
Toyon is the name given to this attractive, well-known plant by the southern Bay Area Ohlone Native American tribe, and it is the only California native plant still called by a Native American name. Throughout summer, toyon develops clusters of white flowers followed in the fall and early winter by pea-sized, bright red fruit. The genus name, Heteromeles, means different apple and describes these fruits, which are botanically similar to apples and pears, but far less tasty. In the past, entire limbs bearing these beautiful fruit were gathered from the wild and sold commercially for decorations at Christmas time (another common name is Christmas berry). Although there are no holly (Ilex spp.) native to the state, California folklore holds that the resemblance of toyon to hollies (with dark, evergreen, toothed leaves, and bright red fruit) may have influenced the naming of Hollywood, as toyon is abundant in the chaparral-covered hills above Los Angeles. The more likely origin of TinseltownÕs name is an 1880s subdivision in that area named after an Illinois estate called Hollywood. The species name, arbutifolia, refers to the similarity between the leaves of toyon and the leaves of members of the genus Arbutus
Native range: CaliforniaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are perfect for teaching about leaf texture and structure. The bright red berries it produces can be used to discuss plant reproduction and the role of fruit in seed dispersal. Its evergreen nature makes it a great example for lessons on different types of foliage and plant adaptation to the Californian climate. The clusters of small white flowers that bloom in spring attract various pollinators, providing a practical example of plant-pollinator interactions.
Native range: CaliforniaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are perfect for teaching about leaf texture and structure. The bright red berries it produces can be used to discuss plant reproduction and the role of fruit in seed dispersal. Its evergreen nature makes it a great example for lessons on different types of foliage and plant adaptation to the Californian climate. The clusters of small white flowers that bloom in spring attract various pollinators, providing a practical example of plant-pollinator interactions.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Rounded or VaseMaximum Tree Height: 25 feetCanopy Width: 8-15 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OblongLeaf color: Dark GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: SummerFruit: Small Red BerryFruiting time: Fall or WinterFruit Value: Wildlife use itBark Color: Dark Brown, Dark Gray or Light Gray, SmoothLitter Type: Wet Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 5 - 9, 14 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts bees, birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Sudden Oak Death, Armillaria, Root Rot and Scales, ThripUtility Friendly: YesWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 1, Approx. cross sectional area 2.09 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Heteromeles arbutifolia Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 1, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/697 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/697 >
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