Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry)

Native to Coastal Southern California, Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense canopy of stout, spreading branches clothed with holly-like leaves. The thick, evergreen, spiny-toothed leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), are dark green and shiny above with pale undersides, and arranged alternately on the stems. They emit an almond scent when bruised. In early to late spring, a profusion of fragrant, tiny white flowers held in dense racemes appear among the leaves. They attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. They are followed by small, reddish purple cherries. Juicy and sweet-tasting, the berries are readily devoured by songbirds. Rodents and other small mammals eat the seeds. Noted for its shiny, evergreen leaves and profusion of feathery blooms, Hollyleaf Cherry is often grown as an ornamental hedge. It is also useful to stabilize steep, erodible hillsides.

• Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall (300-900 cm) and 10-25 ft. wide (300-750 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of a variety of soils (including alkaline soils) but will thrive in coarse, fast draining, relatively fertile garden soil.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens. Good for bank stabilization and coastal gardens.
• Keep an eye out for white flies, aphids and caterpillars, armillaria, root rot, rust, sooty mold, verticillium and virus.
• Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings. Fresh seeds require no treatment. Stored seeds benefit from 1-3 months stratification.
• Seeds may be harmful if ingested
• Native to coastal California and northern Baja California.