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California Native Plant

Prunus ilicifolia

Hollyleaf Cherry

Plant photo of: Prunus ilicifolia
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Information by: Calscape.org        Photographer: Greg Applegate/Frommer

 

Description

Hollyleaf cherry or Evergreen cherry is a species in the Rosaceae (Rose) family that is native to coastal California and northern Baja California. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree up to 15 meters tall, with dense, sclerophyllous foliage. The leaves are 1.6-12 centimeters long with a 4-25 millimeter petiole and spiny margins, somewhat resembling those of the holly, hence its English name; they are dark green when mature and generally shiny on top, and have a smell resembling almonds when crushed. The flowers are small (1-5 millimeters), white, produced on racemes in the spring. The fruit is a cherry 12-25 millimeters in diameter, edible and sweet, but contains little flesh surrounding the smooth seed. Great for birds.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

6-12', 25-40'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Seascape

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Fall

Location Uses

Background

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Wind Break, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.