Toyon is a native plant that is easy to identify by its bright-red berries in the winter—just in time for holiday wreath-making! It has clusters of small white flowers in the summer. Plants that grow in shade may not have flowers or berries.

Toyon leaves are leathery, usually 2–4” long, with fine teeth along the edges. Toyon bark is usually greyish and fairly smooth.

Two invasive, non-native plants that also have red berries may be found in coastal wildlands and should not be confused with toyon. These plants are cotoneaster, with ¾–1”-long leaves that often appear silver or white from a distance due to felty hairs; and pyracantha, with leaves that are 1–2” long, and very sharp thorns that can cause pain, irritation and infection (the name pyracantha means “fire-thorn”).

Stewardship Considerations

Toyon is tolerant of pruning. It tolerates winter pruning better than many native plants.

Toyon will resprout. To decrease sprouting, it is better to prune and limb up to create a single or multi-trunked small-tree shape. Cutting toyon back to the ground will only stimulate brushy, more fire-hazardous growth.

Bottom left: Toyon summer blooms.

Bottom center: Leaf close-up. Note the fine teeth along the edge.

Bottom right: Toyon shrub.

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Learn more about toyon from the California Native Plant Society