ExplorePlants

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Toyon is a lovely shrub with bright red berries that birds love to eat. It has shiny green leaves and can grow tall, making it a great plant for gardens and nature walks.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Toyon has leathery, deep green leaves with serrated edges, often mistaken for holly but without the sharp spines. In winter, it bursts with clusters of brilliant red berries, contrasting beautifully with its white late-spring flowers, making it a striking evergreen shrub.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusHeteromeles
Toyon
aromatic trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Toyon

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its scientific name, Heteromeles, amazingly means 'different apple'!

Native Americans once made a hot drink, like tea, from Toyon leaves!

This super tough plant can live for over 100 years, growing into a small tree!

Toyon berries can stay on the plant all winter long, like natural ornaments!

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Buster

Toyon has tough, leathery leaves that help it survive long, dry periods by reducing water loss.

Ability

Fire Fighter

Toyon can resprout from its base after wildfires, helping it recover and thrive in fire-prone areas.

Ability

Wildlife Buffet

Toyon's abundant berries provide crucial winter food for many birds and mammals, making it a wildlife haven.

Ability

Shade Maker

Its thick, evergreen canopy provides cool shade and shelter, helping other smaller plants and animals survive hot conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
200-500 cm
Spread
200-500 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

California Holly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

While Toyon berries are pretty, they are not safe to eat. Always look but don't taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Toyon?

200-500 cm

How wide does Toyon spread?

200-500 cm

How big are the flowers on Toyon?

0.5-1 cm

When does Toyon bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Toyon edible?

Yes

Is Toyon toxic?

Mild

What is Toyon's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Toyon pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Plants