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Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii
Prunus ilicifolia (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) D. Dietr. ssp. lyonii (Eastw.) P.H. Raven
Catalina Cherry, Hollyleaf Cherry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s): Prunus lyonii
USDA Symbol: PRILL
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Evergreen tree with broad crown of spreading branches, glossy leaves, and dark purple cherries.
Planted as an evergreen, ornamental, and hedge plant in California, Catalina Cherry grows rapidly and is drought-resistant. Native Americans ate the fresh and dried cherries, which can also be made into jam; birds are also fond of the fruit. It is currently considered an island subspecies of the Hollyleaf Cherry, which is usually smaller and shrubby and has smaller, rounded, spiny-toothed leaves, fewer flowers, and smaller fruit.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 50 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Channel Islands of California; also reported in Baja California; to 3000' (914 m).
Native Habitat: Moist soils of canyons and on dry ridges; in chaparral.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Birds are fond of the fruit.Use Food: Native Americans ate the fresh and dried cherries, which can also be made into jam.
Warning: The seeds of all Prunus species, found inside the fruits, contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable be
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-10Research By: TWC Staff