Toyon

Scientific Name:

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Physical Appearance: 

• Small bright red berries 

  • There are dope exceptions to this! Check out Heteromeles arbutifolia with the variety of ‘Davis Gold.’ While the berries are a golden yellow, the plant itself is still a toyon! 

• Can reach to about 15 ft wide and 30 ft tall 

• Roundish shrub 

• White small flowers that are produced in clusters

• Leaves are glossy, dark, and thinly shaped coming to a subtle point

• Bark is relatively sturdy and ranges in shades of brown  

When Does It Grow: 

• Flowers during summer 

• Tends to produce fruit in the beginning of winter 

Preferred Environment: 

• Drier and partially sun environment

• Can be found near creeks and moderately moist areas as well  

Medicinal Uses: 

• Experiments have been conducted to test if the compounds found within Toyon could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The study showed that the compounds could not only hypothetically be used, but the medicine was actually deemed safe. If you are curious about learning more, here is the link to the study :) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5456246/

Role in the Ecosystem: 

• These dudes attract tons of birds, butterflies, and even caterpillars!

• The bees are very attracted to the small white flowers that the shrub blooms 

• Birds tend to eat the berries and use as a general food source (they must be able to handle some seriously strong acidity) 

Random: 

• The berries contain cyanide compounds that is eaten in too high of quantities could kill

• Native Americans would cook the berries in order to remove the acidity and make it palatable 

• Sometimes is referred to as a Christmas berry or California Holly due to its berries

• Toyon is the only plant in its entire genus!