Heteromeles arbutifolia

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Heteromeles arbutifolia, or toyon, is an evergreen native shrub with thick, leathery leaves.  The flat heads of white flowers in spring attract bees and the bright red berries that follow are favored by birds.  Toyon usually grows as a dense shrub to six to ten feet tall and wide, but can also be trained as a small tree.  It does well in sun or part shade and can tolerate drought, but looks better with moderate water.