Prunus ilicifolia

Identification

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Description

Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub to tree, average 14 ft. high and  has clusters of white flowers in spikes in March that cover the entire plant, and in the fall is very showy, covered with large red cherries. The leaves are holly-like, hence the name Holly-Leafed Cherry. Native to the California coast ranges from Mexico north to above San Francisco Bay. Prunus ilicifolia likes full sun, has low water requirements after established, and needs good drainage. The cherries are edible but are mostly skin and seed. Birds love the fruit. When young, this species is killed at 20 degrees F., but after the first year will survive 0 degrees F. or lower. Excellent foundation plant and/or privacy hedge. Synonym: Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia. Good companion plants are Mountain Mahogany, Toyon and Sugar Bush. Prunus ilicifolia tolerates shearing, for a formal hedge.
Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia is too slow to be a hedge by itself, mix with faster species and let it grow in.