Red Berries

Another pleasure of the winter garden is the native California Toyon bush, which is covered with red berry clusters from November through January. Toyon is useful for creating festive decorative arrangements for Thanksgiving and Christmas; for visiting birds looking for a quick meal; and for brightening rainy gray days in the winter landscape.


Toyon berries in winter.

Toyon has seasonal appeal beyond winter. In spring, it is covered with a froth of white blossoms. In summer the blossoms transform into green berries. The Toyon bush can be used as a privacy screen in the garden or landscape, and provides visual interest all year round.

 Toyon blossoms in spring.

Toyon berries in summer.

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Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon, or Christmas Berry) is native to northern and southern California, from sea level to 4000 feet, typically in the chaparral plant community. It is in the Rosaceae family, and grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree to 30 feet. Leaves are elliptical to oblong, four inches long, and leathery. Flowers are small, white, grow in large, flat-topped clusters (corymbose), and have sepals, five petals, and 10 stamens. Fruit is a berry-like pome. Keep in mind the berries are toxic, so use with caution if you have pets or small children.