ToyonToyon can vary from a large
shrub to a small tree. It is evergreen, multi-trunked and normally grows to a
height of 6 to 8 feet, but can reach up to 20 feet. White flowers appear in late
spring or summer, after which the berry fruit ripens to a bright red in winter.
The plants grows on canyon slopes, in chaparral, oak woodland and forest communities
up to 4000 feet. Toyon is drought-tolerant but does best with some water,
which enhances its fire-resistance. It grows in full sun and shade, and could
be used as a hedge or small tree. The berries are eaten by birds, and the flower
nectar is very attractive to butterflies and bees.
The scientific name
Heteromeles arbutifolia is derived from the Greek words "heter"
for different, "malus" for apple, and "arbutifolia" meaning
leaves like the Spanish madrone, "Arbutus". The photos below
are of a Toyon shrub on More Mesa, taken in April 2003. | 
