Prunus ilicifolia

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Prunus ilicifolia, commonly known as hollyleaf cherry or evergreen cherry, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the rose family. It grows in chaparral and woodland areas of coastal California from Mendocino to San Diego, as well as in Baja California and the Mojave Desert’s desert chaparral. It is not a true cherry, but a close relative of Prunus species. The plant is valued in gardens for its year‑round foliage, easy growing habit, and showy fruit.

Description
It reaches about 8 to 30 feet tall (2.4 to 9.1 meters) and has dense, hard, sclerophyllous leaves that are dark green, glossy, and have spiny margins, resembling holly. Leaves are about 0.75 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) long and have a slight almond-like smell when crushed. In spring, small white flowers form in clusters. The fruit is a sweet cherry, purple to black, about 12 to 25 mm in diameter, with thin flesh surrounding a single large seed.

Ecology and habitat
Two subspecies occur, and the plant favors full sun and loose, well‑drained soil. It tolerates drought and is long‑lived, though young plants need regular watering. It is a slow grower that often forms stands with other chaparral species. It can resprout after fire, but its seeds are not particularly fire-adapted. Germination is commonly successful if seeds are properly prepared or buried in soil. The plant serves as a host for several butterfly and moth larvae, and bees visit the flowers.

Cultivation and use
Hollyleaf cherry is grown in California native‑plant and wildlife gardens for its drought tolerance and ease of care. It can be used as a hedge or focal plant in landscapes. The fruit pulp is edible, but the seeds contain toxins and require processing to be eaten safely. Native Californians historically fermented the fruit to make an intoxicating drink, and they also leached and processed the kernels to make meal or flour for foods such as soups, tortillas, or tamale‑like dishes. The seeds themselves can be ground after proper leaching. In addition to food uses, infusions from the bark and roots were used by some tribes to treat colds and coughs.

Notes on toxicity
While the fruit pulp is edible after proper processing, the seeds and kernels contain compounds that can be toxic if eaten raw, so careful preparation is important. The name ilicifolia means “holly‑like leaves.”