Commonly found throughout California in all but high mountain and desert communities, Toyon is known for its large, leathery, saw-toothed foliage and heavy clusters of red berries it produces in the winter. Hollywood is thought to be named after the holly-like berries produced on the toyon throughout the hills. Naturally it will grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall, but it can be kept smaller in cultivation and trained into a multi-trunked tree or large shrub. Great for use as an informal hedge or screening and useful for erosion control and slope stabilization due to its deep root system. Happiest with occasional to regular irrigation as long as the soil it’s planted in is well-draining. Prefers full sun to part shade, and foliage will grow denser the more sun it gets. Berries contain cyanide compounds and are poisonous to humans if eaten in large quantities. We also grow a cultivar called ‘Davis Gold’ which features clusters of bright gold (in place of red) berries.
- Common Name:
- Toyon
- Mature Height:
- 8-20'
- Mature Spread:
- 10-20'
- Exposure:
- Sun
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- White w/Red Berry
- Foliage Color:
- Green
