This shrub to small tree has a smooth greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a bushy habit. It has shiny mid green leathery leaves and the small white saucer-shaped flowers appear in a dense cluster during summer followed by red fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Heteromeles arbutifoliais naturally found in North America from California to Baja California growing in coastal stage scrub and chaparral and extending into canyon slopes appearing amongst oak woodlands from sea level to an altitude of 1300m (4000 ft).

It prefers well drained moderately fertile soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is light frost and drought tolerant.

Toyon is grown for its upright habit and colourful red berries. It is planted along garden borders for screening or grown as a specimen in small or water wise gardens. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. It is also suitable for woodland settings and may be trimmed to form an informal hedge. It is also planted in gardens to attract birds. ID 3405

Heteromeles (HEH-teh-roh-MEE-leez) arbutifolia (ah-BEW-tee-FOH-lee-ah)

Rosaceae(ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family