Toyon
Scientific Name: Heteromeles arbutifolia
The Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, also known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, is a native shrub species that is particularly abundant in the coastal sage scrub habitats of Huntington Beach, California. These evergreen shrubs have glossy, serrated leaves and produce clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries in the fall and winter months. Toyon berries are an important food source for birds and other wildlife, including Cedar Waxwings and California Thrashers. Toyon is a valuable landscaping plant, prized for its drought tolerance, wildlife value, and festive seasonal berries.