Holly Leafed Cherry

Scientific Name: 

Prunus ilicifolia 

Physical Appearance: 

• Leaves are a deep, dark green with a shiny top coat 

• Small, cream flowers that are about 0.1 cms

• Produces cherries that are edible and sweet with seeds 

• Bark is dark gray and have a smooth texture 

When Does It Grow: 

• Winter, but mainly spring 

Preferred Environment: 

• Common on sloped terrain near the coast 

• Bordering moist soils where it will be found tree-like or on dry hill where it would resemble a shrub

Medicinal Uses: 

• Fruits are eaten and dried and eaten to treat an upset stomach

• Combinations about bark and roots in order to make colds/coughs 

Role in the Ecosystem: 

• Birds love this stuff because of the fruit it produces 

Random: 

• The leaves are reminiscent of holly which is where the name comes from 

• Do the leaves smell like almonds to you? Lots of people think they do (I am still undecided)

• Native Californians were known to use seeds from the pits as a food source 

  • The seeds contain hydrocyanic acid which was removed by cooking the kernels and then ground into meal to make soups, breads, or tortillas

• Adapted to fire by sprouting from the root crown

• Majority of species belonging to this genus are known to produce hydrogen cyanide via their leaves or seeds