The document summarizes information about the Toyon/CA Christmas Berry shrub, including that it is native to chaparral and coastal areas from Southern Oregon to Baja California. It grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree up to 10 feet tall, and produces showy white blooms in summer and bright red berries in fall/winter that attract birds and butterflies. The document provides details on using Toyon in the garden, its care requirements, and methods for propagation.

1. Toyon/CA Christmas Berry – Heteromeles arbutifolia (het-er-AH-mel-eez ar-bew-ti-FO-lee-uh)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub and Coastal Shrub communities from S. Oregon to Baja. Often on semi-dry slopes, canyon walls, back-dune areas. Var. macrocarpa – S. Channel islands.
Growth characteristics: lg. evergreen shrub/tree mature height: 6-10’ (to 30’) mature width: 4-6’
In nature, usually a many-branched shrub – but highly variable. Leaves and branches stiff. Natural shape is rounded, fairly dense. Can be shaped into tree by removing lower branches. Grows taller in shady environments.
Blooms/fruits: clusters of showy white blooms in summer; bright red berries in fall/winter.
Uses in the garden: for erosion control on slopes. As a specimen plant (attractive year-round). Can be pruned as hedge/hedgerow. Good under/with Live Oaks and Ceanothus. Foliage used for holiday decorations. Makes a good screen or espalier – quite adaptable with pruning. Foliage makes and orange natural dye. Berries toxic if consumed in large amounts.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Pyracantha;Cotoneaster;Holly;Scarlet Wisteria;Acacia;Myoporum
Attracts: butterflies (flower nectar); birds (esp. Cedar Waxwings, wrentits) and other songbirds relish the berries.
Requirements:
Element
Requirement
Sun
Full sun to full shade
Soil
Any well-drained; any pH is fine
Water
Tolerates some supplemental water in summer (better fruiting); keep leaves dry (susceptible to fungal diseases)
Fertilizer
None needed
Other
Management: prune yearly (Feb-Mar) to maintain shape. Flowers/fruits borne on year old wood. Watch for fungal disease, particularly in warm, wet weather.
Propagation: from seed: relatively easy in winter/spring. Soak berries in water about 1 week then rub through sieve to clean. Store dry seeds cool. Plant shallow. Sow 10-20 seeds/cup.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12-14, 16-21, 23-25, 28 12/5/10
© Project SOUND

2. Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon; California Christmas berry

8. Toyon in Heritage Creek Preserve, CSU Dominguez Hills (Carson CA)

12. Toyon espalier
Mother Nature’s Backyard