The document summarizes information about the Holly-leaf/Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia & lyonii), including that it is: 1) A woody evergreen shrub or small tree native to central California and Baja California, growing 10-25 feet tall and wide; 2) Has holly-like glossy green leaves, white sweet-scented flowers in spring, and edible red-black berries in fall and winter; 3) Can be used as an ornamental hedge, screen, or small tree in gardens, providing habitat for birds and small animals.

1. Holly-leaf/Catalina Cherry – Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia & lyonii
(PROO-nus ill-is-i-FO-lee-a ly-OWN-ee-eye)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Central CA coast to Baja (ssp. lyonii on Channel Islands only); along streams (riparian
vegetatin), canyons & north-facing slopes, oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal scrub communities.
Growth characteristics: Woody shrub/tree
mature height: 10-25 ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.
Many-branched evergreen woody shrub or small tree. Foliage is an attractive glossy green with
holly-like toothed leaves (ssp. ilicifolia). Branches are gray to red-brown with a pronounced bitter
almond odor and taste. Very long-lived for shrub/small tree – to 100 years or more. Ssp. lyonii is
more tree-like & grows rapidly; ssp. ilicifolia is a very slow-growing medium shrub.
Blooms Mar.-May. Flowers are feathery, white, showy and sweet scented. Fruits
are red-black, edible with thin sweet flesh & large seed. Seeds toxic if eaten in large quantities.
Fruits ripen from November to December.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as an ornamental hedge or screen. Does well on slopes &
banks. Can be trimmed as a small tree for small gardens. Does fine in large planters. Great along
roads, between houses. Berries will stain concrete.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native medium to large evergreen shrubs (particularly those used for
large hedges & screens).
Excellent bird and small animal habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Berries are
readily consumed by many songbirds. Bees and butterflies utilize the nectar.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade; probably better with some shade
Any well-drained soil; any local pH (4-8)
Deep watering once a month in summer is ideal (once established); fairly tolerant of
garden watering as long as soils are well-drained
Not needed, but probably ok with light fertilizer
Can be pruned to any height (once or twice a year – like any horticultural shrub), or
left to grow naturally. Quite disease and pest-free. Requires little care.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; may require cold treatment by cuttings: softwood & layering
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 7-9, 11-14, 19, 20, 24-26, 28
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