Hollyleaf Cherry Characteristics

Prunus ilicifolia Appearance: Dark green leaves with serrated

edges; fruit is light yellow to red; branches and
trunk are dark brown
Hollyleaf Cherry trees can thrive in
Size: 8’-30’ in height
chaparral, desert, and woodland biomes.
Location: Behind the library next to House 4
The Hollyleaf Cherry’s fruit attracts many
birds and small mammals. Early settlers Season: Fruits in winter and spring
in America collected the fruit to ferment Hazards: Seeds of the plant are toxic
into an alcoholic beverage. Native
American tribes in California used the o Native
cherries and seeds to make patties and
porridge for food. Additionally, the
Kumeyaay people of the San Diego area used the shiny leaves from the plant to make cough
medicine.

Sources
California Native Plant Society
EthnoHerbalist
The Sacramento Bee
Pictures: Megan Leich, Molly O’Brien ’18
and William Ball ‘18