Latin: Hetermeles arbutifolia
Plant type: Evergreen large shrub or small tree
Size: 6 - 8’ x 4 - 5’
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Family: Rose
Zone: 7 - 10
Dark green, leathery leaves with serrated margins densely cover the Toyon, a large, evergreen shrub. Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers develop from mid-spring to early summer, and are followed by orange to red berries that attract birds in the fall into the winter [17].
Toyons are drought-tolerant once established, but will tolerate supplemental irrigation in well-drained soil, and their appearance is improved with occasional summer water (every 2-4 weeks). Toyons are relatively easy to grow and long-lived, although they frequently appear weak for the first couple of years after being planted [18].
Use Toyon for erosion control, screening, and background planting. Mix with oaks, coffeeberry, and ceanothus. They are considered to be fire-resistant when given summer irrigation [17].
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