Prunus ilicifolia

Common Names

Hollyleaf Cherry, Evergreen Cherry, Islay, Holly-Leaved Cherry, Holly-Leaf Cherry

Summary

Hollyleaf cherry is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California's chaparral and coastal foothill woodlands, ranging from Mendocino to Baja California, with a Channel Islands subspecies, featuring holly-like glossy leaves with spiny-toothed margins, white flowers in spring, and red to dark purple-blue-black drupes. Foliage crushed carries a faint amaretto-like scent, and the fruit has a thin sweet pulp around a large pit.

Prefers full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Commonly used as a hedge, foundation planting, or slope-stabilizing plant, it supports pollinators and wildlife and can resprout from the root crown after fire. Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and pits are poisonous. Hardy in USDA zones 9–10.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-40 feet

Spread

20-30 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.0-7.7, acidic to mildly alkaline

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Root-crown sprouting

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Butterflies, Birds, Other pollinators