Prunus ilicifolia var. lyonii

Common Name:
Catalina cherry
Plant Type:
Evergreen tree
Family:
Rosaceae (The Rose Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
18-30 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Foundation plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
White
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

Catalina cherry is another one of California's dramatic native shrubs. Native to the Channel Islands off California, it can reach 40 feet in wild locations. The leaves are evergreen, 1-4 inches long, broad in outline with wavy, smooth margins. Similar to the typical species, P. ilicifolia, it bears many slender clusters of small white flowers in middle and late spring. Large red to black fruits ripen in fall and are quite decorative (they are also good to eat, but there is little flesh surrounding the large seeds). This is a shrub or small tree of many uses, beautiful individually or in group plantings, borders and screens. It is also heat- and drought-tolerant, though stress reduces its size and can give the leaves a tired, somewhat yellowish cast. Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less.