Harvesting Toyon

Toyon berries are ready for harvest from late fall into winter when they turn bright red. We have been picking clusters from our yard the past few weeks to use for holiday arrangements, and are sharing them with friends for their decorations.

Enjoy Toyon Berries All Winter

Winter brings with it the colorful red berries of our native Toyon, also called “Christmas Berry” (Heteromeles arbutifolia). Besides being an attractive, fire-resistant, evergreen shrub (or tree if pruned), Toyon produces clusters of bright red berries that persist all winter, providing perfect holiday decorations for mantels, wreaths, and centerpieces. We have been picking clusters from our yard the past few weeks to use for holiday arrangements, and are sharing them with friends for their decorations. We still have plenty to […]

Plant of the Month: Dec. 2012

Toyon, Christmas Berry Heteromeles arbutifolia   Plant Form: Evergreen shrub/tree Water Use: Low Mature Size: 8-10’ (to 25’) tall & 8-10’ wide Exposure: Full Sun, Part sun Bloom Time: June – August Native to: Southern California Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 0° F   Toyon, also called Christmas Berry and California Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from California’s chaparral communities. This very adaptable, dense shrub is valued for its holly-like foliage, clusters of white flowers in summer, and […]