Prunus ilicifolia

The Hollyleaf Cherry is a truly unique member of the stone fruit family native to western Mexico, California, and southern Oregon. Growing into a large shrub or small tree, Hollyleaf Cherry is an evergreen plant that typically grows up to fifteen feet high in the garden, although trees in their native habitat can grow larger. Plants have glossy, crinkled, and serrated leaves that somewhat resemble those of the unrelated Holly, although are not sharp to the touch. Flowers are borne in attractive, sweetly-scented spikes in early Summer. A traditional source of food for Native Americans in its native range, the cherries produced by this tree in the Autumn are quite delicious, but do have large pits.

Hollyleaf Cherry is native to a variety of habitats in its range, including chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak woodlands. It is native to a Mediterranean climate, where it thrives in mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, but is very adaptable. Plants are extraordinarily drought tolerant and low-maintenance once established and tolerate a range of soil types. Hollyleaf Cherry prefers full sun or partial shade.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 7a or to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.