Hollyleaf cherry
Prunus ilicifolia
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Fast, Medium; Tolerant of a variety of soils but will grow largest and fastest in coarse, fast draining, relatively fertile garden soil.
30–49ft tall , 20–20ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Pits (kernels) cracked and eaten or processed for oil; used as traditional food
Supports up to 262 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub of southern California from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County, below 3000 ft elevation, extending to Baja California.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your hollyleaf cherry in full sun in a location with fast or medium draining soil - it will grow largest and fastest in coarse, well-draining, relatively fertile garden soil, though it tolerates a variety of soil types. The best planting season isn't specified in the data, so choose either fall or early spring when the plant can establish roots before summer heat. Space it generously since it can eventually reach 30–49 feet tall, and ensure good drainage to prevent root problems.
After Planting
Water weekly for the first summer, then taper off as the plant establishes - once mature, it needs only very low water and can go a month or more between waterings in summer. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; this California native is adapted to drought and will suffer in soggy soil. You won't need to prune heavily unless you want to shape it as a hedge or control its size, and expect small white flowers in spring that birds will love for the resulting cherries.
Wildlife Supported
Mammals
critical summer-fall forage July-October for pre-hibernation feeding
Birds
opportunistic frugivory when available, year-round resident
consume drupes June-October during ripening
Insects
larvae feed on Prunus foliage May-July
larvae defoliate foliage March-June in colonial tents
caterpillars feed on foliage April-August
larvae feed on foliage April-August, multiple generations
larvae feed on new growth May-July