q heteromeles arbutifolia

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

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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