Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia) is a native evergreen tree or shrub in the Rose family that grows in the coastal and inland valleys strip of northern, central, and southern California. It tends to grow on slopes or in valleys, at elevations from 0-5200 feet. It grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and southern oak woodland habitats and can vary greatly in size depending on conditions. In dry, rocky or shallow soils it will be bush-like from 5 to 15 ft. In richer soils with more moisture it will attain large shrub or small tree size, up to 30-40 ft.
The leaves are holly-like and evergreen. The flowers are small and white; the fruit is a one inch red to dark purple drupe that is popular with wildlife. The closely related subspecies Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii (Catalina Cherry) is endemic to the Channel Islands, but in appearance and behavior the two can be difficult to distinguish as they hybridize readily.
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia
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