Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii, Catalina Cherry

Catalina Cherry is native to Central and southern California. Technically a shrub, it makes a multi-trunked tree with fairly upright habit, usually to about 25 x 10 feet, sometimes taller. It is fast growing once established, and moderately long-lived. Because of its upright habit, it’s a good choice for a windbreak or screen. It can be sheared into a hedge. Prune in late fall after the fruit is gone.

In the late spring it will put on a striking flower display. Leaves are medium green, shiny, without spines, and remain on the plant throughout the year. The small, large-pitted, blue-black fruit is edible but is best left to the birds. It will tolerate summer water once or twice a month. It does well in either sun or part shade and can handle a wide variety of soils.

In addition to birds, which relish the fruit, prunus ilicifolia is one of our most valuable habitat plants, supporting more than 75 species of butterflies and moths as well as many other pollinators.