Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii

The Catalina Cherry is an interesting stone fruit tree endemic to the Channel Islands of Southern California. While this subspecies is very closely related to the Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia, it is quite a different plant in form and habit. Catalina Cherry is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen tree that typically grows up to twenty five feet high in the garden. Plants have large glossy leaves that give the plant a exotic, tropical appearance. Flowers are borne in attractive, sweetly-scented spikes in early Summer. A traditional source of food for Native Americans in its native range, the black-colored cherries produced by this tree in the Autumn are quite delicious, but have large pits.

Catalina Cherry is native to a dry, Mediterranean climate but is quite adaptable. Plants are extraordinarily drought tolerant and low-maintenance once established and tolerate a range of soil types. Catalina Cherry prefers full sun or partial shade and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer for fastest growth. We find that these are long-lived and wind-resistant plants that make an excellent privacy screen.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

For sale are packets of 5 seeds.