Toyon - Heteromeles Arbutifolia
Regular price
$895.00
Size
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is California's Iconic Evergreen Privacy Shrub
Looking for a beautiful, drought-tolerant California native that delivers year-round greenery, seasonal flowers, brilliant red berries, and outstanding wildlife value? Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), the only species in the genus Heteromeles, is one of the most versatile native shrubs you can plant.
Known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, Toyon has been a defining part of California's landscapes for thousands of years. Its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white flower clusters, and vibrant winter berries make it a favorite for homeowners, landscape designers, restoration projects, and anyone seeking a sustainable, low-water landscape.
Whether you're creating a privacy hedge, native habitat, erosion-control planting, or drought-tolerant garden, Toyon is one of the best California native plants available.
Why Choose Toyon?
✔ Native to California
✔ Evergreen year-round
✔ Highly drought tolerant after establishment
✔ Bright red berries through fall and winter
✔ Beautiful white spring flowers
✔ Excellent privacy hedge or screening plant
✔ Supports birds, butterflies, and native pollinators
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Long-lived landscape investment
✔ Fire-wise and water-wise landscape choice
Product Specifications
Botanical Name
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Common Names (including Christmas berry)
-
Toyon
-
California Holly
-
Christmas Berry
Plant Type
Evergreen Native Shrub / Small Tree
Mature Size
-
Height: 8–15 feet
-
Width: 6–10 feet
With occasional pruning, Toyon can be maintained as a dense hedge or trained into a beautiful multi-trunk specimen tree.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Approximately 12–24 inches of new growth annually under ideal conditions.
USDA Growing Zones
7–10
Why You'll Love Toyon
Unlike many ornamental shrubs that require frequent watering and fertilizing, Toyon thrives with minimal care.
Its naturally dense branching creates an outstanding privacy screen while its evergreen foliage keeps your landscape attractive every month of the year.
During spring, creamy white flower clusters blanket the shrub and attract beneficial pollinators. As autumn arrives, those flowers transform into brilliant scarlet berries that remain throughout winter, providing spectacular seasonal color while feeding native birds.
Few California native plants provide this much year-round interest. It also plays a significant role in California landscape history as the official city plant of Los Angeles, and Toyon is often cited as a possible inspiration for the name Hollywood.
A Favorite for California Native Landscapes
Toyon is one of the foundation species of California's chaparral and coastal sage ecosystems.
Because it evolved in California's Mediterranean climate, it naturally tolerates:
-
Summer heat
-
Drought
-
Poor soils
-
Slopes
-
Coastal conditions
-
Inland valleys
It performs exceptionally well in both residential and commercial landscapes, and as a California native plant it is considered relatively fire-resistant compared with many other shrubs while dramatically reducing outdoor water use.
Perfect Uses for Toyon
Toyon is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in:
Privacy Hedges
Dense evergreen foliage creates an attractive natural screen.
Native Gardens
An essential addition to California native landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens
Provides nectar, berries, nesting habitat, and shelter, and toyon berries are attracted to birds and other animals; birds and mammals eat the fruit and help disperse seeds.
Hillside Stabilization
Strong root systems help reduce erosion.
Commercial Landscapes
Excellent for parks, schools, municipalities, and low-maintenance properties.
Accent Plantings
Works beautifully as a specimen shrub or small ornamental tree.
Wildlife Benefits
Toyon is one of California's most valuable wildlife plants.
Its spring flowers attract:
-
Native bees
-
Butterflies
-
Beneficial insects
Its berries provide winter food for:
-
Cedar Waxwings
-
American Robins
-
Mockingbirds
-
Thrashers
-
Towhees
-
Many native bird species
Mammals such as coyotes and bears also feed on the berries and help disperse seeds.
Dense evergreen branches also provide year-round nesting habitat.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
If you're replacing a thirsty lawn or building a water-wise landscape, Toyon is an outstanding choice.
Once established, Toyon requires only occasional deep watering while maintaining lush evergreen foliage through California's hot, dry summers.
That means:
-
Lower water bills
-
Less maintenance
-
Greater landscape resilience
-
Long-term sustainability
Growing Conditions
Sun
-
Full Sun
-
Partial Shade
Full sun encourages the heaviest flowering and berry production.
Water
Low after establishment.
Provide regular irrigation during the first one to two growing seasons.
Soil
Toyon adapts well to:
-
Clay
-
Sandy soil
-
Loam
-
Rocky soil
Good drainage is recommended.
Planting Instructions
For best results:
-
Plant during fall, winter, or early spring whenever possible.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
-
Keep the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
-
Water deeply after planting.
-
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
-
Water consistently during establishment before gradually reducing irrigation.
Maintenance
Toyon is one of the easiest California native shrubs to maintain.
-
Little pruning required
-
Rarely needs fertilizer
-
Excellent drought resistance
-
Adaptable to many soil types
-
Good resistance to pests
-
Long lifespan
Occasional thinning after berry production helps maintain shape and airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyon native to California?
Yes. Toyon is native throughout much of California and northern Baja California and is one of the state's signature evergreen shrubs.
How fast does Toyon grow?
Toyon grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–24 inches each year depending on sunlight, water, and soil conditions.
Is Toyon drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Toyon is exceptionally drought tolerant and is widely recommended for water-wise and California native landscapes.
Does Toyon attract birds?
Absolutely. Its flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red berries provide an important winter food source for many native bird species.
Can Toyon be used as a privacy hedge?
Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it one of California's best native plants for privacy screens, hedges, and natural property borders.
Does Toyon lose its leaves?
No. Toyon is evergreen and provides lush green foliage throughout the year, with leathery leaves often compared to English holly.
Is Toyon deer resistant?
Established Toyon is generally considered moderately deer resistant, although young plants may require protection in areas with heavy deer pressure.
Why Buy Toyon from Yardwork?
At Yardwork, we specialize in premium landscape trees and native California plants selected for health, vigor, and long-term success.
Our Toyon plants are carefully grown to establish quickly, helping you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife while conserving water.
Whether you're planting a native privacy hedge, restoring habitat, or enhancing your home's curb appeal, Toyon is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is California's Iconic Evergreen Privacy Shrub
Looking for a beautiful, drought-tolerant California native that delivers year-round greenery, seasonal flowers, brilliant red berries, and outstanding wildlife value? Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), the only species in the genus Heteromeles, is one of the most versatile native shrubs you can plant.
Known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, Toyon has been a defining part of California's landscapes for thousands of years. Its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white flower clusters, and vibrant winter berries make it a favorite for homeowners, landscape designers, restoration projects, and anyone seeking a sustainable, low-water landscape.
Whether you're creating a privacy hedge, native habitat, erosion-control planting, or drought-tolerant garden, Toyon is one of the best California native plants available.
Why Choose Toyon?
✔ Native to California
✔ Evergreen year-round
✔ Highly drought tolerant after establishment
✔ Bright red berries through fall and winter
✔ Beautiful white spring flowers
✔ Excellent privacy hedge or screening plant
✔ Supports birds, butterflies, and native pollinators
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Long-lived landscape investment
✔ Fire-wise and water-wise landscape choice
Product Specifications
Botanical Name
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Common Names (including Christmas berry)
-
Toyon
-
California Holly
-
Christmas Berry
Plant Type
Evergreen Native Shrub / Small Tree
Mature Size
-
Height: 8–15 feet
-
Width: 6–10 feet
With occasional pruning, Toyon can be maintained as a dense hedge or trained into a beautiful multi-trunk specimen tree.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Approximately 12–24 inches of new growth annually under ideal conditions.
USDA Growing Zones
7–10
Why You'll Love Toyon
Unlike many ornamental shrubs that require frequent watering and fertilizing, Toyon thrives with minimal care.
Its naturally dense branching creates an outstanding privacy screen while its evergreen foliage keeps your landscape attractive every month of the year.
During spring, creamy white flower clusters blanket the shrub and attract beneficial pollinators. As autumn arrives, those flowers transform into brilliant scarlet berries that remain throughout winter, providing spectacular seasonal color while feeding native birds.
Few California native plants provide this much year-round interest. It also plays a significant role in California landscape history as the official city plant of Los Angeles, and Toyon is often cited as a possible inspiration for the name Hollywood.
A Favorite for California Native Landscapes
Toyon is one of the foundation species of California's chaparral and coastal sage ecosystems.
Because it evolved in California's Mediterranean climate, it naturally tolerates:
-
Summer heat
-
Drought
-
Poor soils
-
Slopes
-
Coastal conditions
-
Inland valleys
It performs exceptionally well in both residential and commercial landscapes, and as a California native plant it is considered relatively fire-resistant compared with many other shrubs while dramatically reducing outdoor water use.
Perfect Uses for Toyon
Toyon is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in:
Privacy Hedges
Dense evergreen foliage creates an attractive natural screen.
Native Gardens
An essential addition to California native landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens
Provides nectar, berries, nesting habitat, and shelter, and toyon berries are attracted to birds and other animals; birds and mammals eat the fruit and help disperse seeds.
Hillside Stabilization
Strong root systems help reduce erosion.
Commercial Landscapes
Excellent for parks, schools, municipalities, and low-maintenance properties.
Accent Plantings
Works beautifully as a specimen shrub or small ornamental tree.
Wildlife Benefits
Toyon is one of California's most valuable wildlife plants.
Its spring flowers attract:
-
Native bees
-
Butterflies
-
Beneficial insects
Its berries provide winter food for:
-
Cedar Waxwings
-
American Robins
-
Mockingbirds
-
Thrashers
-
Towhees
-
Many native bird species
Mammals such as coyotes and bears also feed on the berries and help disperse seeds.
Dense evergreen branches also provide year-round nesting habitat.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
If you're replacing a thirsty lawn or building a water-wise landscape, Toyon is an outstanding choice.
Once established, Toyon requires only occasional deep watering while maintaining lush evergreen foliage through California's hot, dry summers.
That means:
-
Lower water bills
-
Less maintenance
-
Greater landscape resilience
-
Long-term sustainability
Growing Conditions
Sun
-
Full Sun
-
Partial Shade
Full sun encourages the heaviest flowering and berry production.
Water
Low after establishment.
Provide regular irrigation during the first one to two growing seasons.
Soil
Toyon adapts well to:
-
Clay
-
Sandy soil
-
Loam
-
Rocky soil
Good drainage is recommended.
Planting Instructions
For best results:
-
Plant during fall, winter, or early spring whenever possible.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
-
Keep the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
-
Water deeply after planting.
-
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
-
Water consistently during establishment before gradually reducing irrigation.
Maintenance
Toyon is one of the easiest California native shrubs to maintain.
-
Little pruning required
-
Rarely needs fertilizer
-
Excellent drought resistance
-
Adaptable to many soil types
-
Good resistance to pests
-
Long lifespan
Occasional thinning after berry production helps maintain shape and airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyon native to California?
Yes. Toyon is native throughout much of California and northern Baja California and is one of the state's signature evergreen shrubs.
How fast does Toyon grow?
Toyon grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–24 inches each year depending on sunlight, water, and soil conditions.
Is Toyon drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Toyon is exceptionally drought tolerant and is widely recommended for water-wise and California native landscapes.
Does Toyon attract birds?
Absolutely. Its flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red berries provide an important winter food source for many native bird species.
Can Toyon be used as a privacy hedge?
Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it one of California's best native plants for privacy screens, hedges, and natural property borders.
Does Toyon lose its leaves?
No. Toyon is evergreen and provides lush green foliage throughout the year, with leathery leaves often compared to English holly.
Is Toyon deer resistant?
Established Toyon is generally considered moderately deer resistant, although young plants may require protection in areas with heavy deer pressure.
Why Buy Toyon from Yardwork?
At Yardwork, we specialize in premium landscape trees and native California plants selected for health, vigor, and long-term success.
Our Toyon plants are carefully grown to establish quickly, helping you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife while conserving water.
Whether you're planting a native privacy hedge, restoring habitat, or enhancing your home's curb appeal, Toyon is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
You may also like...
Toyon - Heteromeles Arbutifolia
Regular price
$895.00
Size
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is California's Iconic Evergreen Privacy Shrub
Looking for a beautiful, drought-tolerant California native that delivers year-round greenery, seasonal flowers, brilliant red berries, and outstanding wildlife value? Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), the only species in the genus Heteromeles, is one of the most versatile native shrubs you can plant.
Known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, Toyon has been a defining part of California's landscapes for thousands of years. Its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white flower clusters, and vibrant winter berries make it a favorite for homeowners, landscape designers, restoration projects, and anyone seeking a sustainable, low-water landscape.
Whether you're creating a privacy hedge, native habitat, erosion-control planting, or drought-tolerant garden, Toyon is one of the best California native plants available.
Why Choose Toyon?
✔ Native to California
✔ Evergreen year-round
✔ Highly drought tolerant after establishment
✔ Bright red berries through fall and winter
✔ Beautiful white spring flowers
✔ Excellent privacy hedge or screening plant
✔ Supports birds, butterflies, and native pollinators
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Long-lived landscape investment
✔ Fire-wise and water-wise landscape choice
Product Specifications
Botanical Name
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Common Names (including Christmas berry)
-
Toyon
-
California Holly
-
Christmas Berry
Plant Type
Evergreen Native Shrub / Small Tree
Mature Size
-
Height: 8–15 feet
-
Width: 6–10 feet
With occasional pruning, Toyon can be maintained as a dense hedge or trained into a beautiful multi-trunk specimen tree.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Approximately 12–24 inches of new growth annually under ideal conditions.
USDA Growing Zones
7–10
Why You'll Love Toyon
Unlike many ornamental shrubs that require frequent watering and fertilizing, Toyon thrives with minimal care.
Its naturally dense branching creates an outstanding privacy screen while its evergreen foliage keeps your landscape attractive every month of the year.
During spring, creamy white flower clusters blanket the shrub and attract beneficial pollinators. As autumn arrives, those flowers transform into brilliant scarlet berries that remain throughout winter, providing spectacular seasonal color while feeding native birds.
Few California native plants provide this much year-round interest. It also plays a significant role in California landscape history as the official city plant of Los Angeles, and Toyon is often cited as a possible inspiration for the name Hollywood.
A Favorite for California Native Landscapes
Toyon is one of the foundation species of California's chaparral and coastal sage ecosystems.
Because it evolved in California's Mediterranean climate, it naturally tolerates:
-
Summer heat
-
Drought
-
Poor soils
-
Slopes
-
Coastal conditions
-
Inland valleys
It performs exceptionally well in both residential and commercial landscapes, and as a California native plant it is considered relatively fire-resistant compared with many other shrubs while dramatically reducing outdoor water use.
Perfect Uses for Toyon
Toyon is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in:
Privacy Hedges
Dense evergreen foliage creates an attractive natural screen.
Native Gardens
An essential addition to California native landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens
Provides nectar, berries, nesting habitat, and shelter, and toyon berries are attracted to birds and other animals; birds and mammals eat the fruit and help disperse seeds.
Hillside Stabilization
Strong root systems help reduce erosion.
Commercial Landscapes
Excellent for parks, schools, municipalities, and low-maintenance properties.
Accent Plantings
Works beautifully as a specimen shrub or small ornamental tree.
Wildlife Benefits
Toyon is one of California's most valuable wildlife plants.
Its spring flowers attract:
-
Native bees
-
Butterflies
-
Beneficial insects
Its berries provide winter food for:
-
Cedar Waxwings
-
American Robins
-
Mockingbirds
-
Thrashers
-
Towhees
-
Many native bird species
Mammals such as coyotes and bears also feed on the berries and help disperse seeds.
Dense evergreen branches also provide year-round nesting habitat.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
If you're replacing a thirsty lawn or building a water-wise landscape, Toyon is an outstanding choice.
Once established, Toyon requires only occasional deep watering while maintaining lush evergreen foliage through California's hot, dry summers.
That means:
-
Lower water bills
-
Less maintenance
-
Greater landscape resilience
-
Long-term sustainability
Growing Conditions
Sun
-
Full Sun
-
Partial Shade
Full sun encourages the heaviest flowering and berry production.
Water
Low after establishment.
Provide regular irrigation during the first one to two growing seasons.
Soil
Toyon adapts well to:
-
Clay
-
Sandy soil
-
Loam
-
Rocky soil
Good drainage is recommended.
Planting Instructions
For best results:
-
Plant during fall, winter, or early spring whenever possible.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
-
Keep the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
-
Water deeply after planting.
-
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
-
Water consistently during establishment before gradually reducing irrigation.
Maintenance
Toyon is one of the easiest California native shrubs to maintain.
-
Little pruning required
-
Rarely needs fertilizer
-
Excellent drought resistance
-
Adaptable to many soil types
-
Good resistance to pests
-
Long lifespan
Occasional thinning after berry production helps maintain shape and airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyon native to California?
Yes. Toyon is native throughout much of California and northern Baja California and is one of the state's signature evergreen shrubs.
How fast does Toyon grow?
Toyon grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–24 inches each year depending on sunlight, water, and soil conditions.
Is Toyon drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Toyon is exceptionally drought tolerant and is widely recommended for water-wise and California native landscapes.
Does Toyon attract birds?
Absolutely. Its flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red berries provide an important winter food source for many native bird species.
Can Toyon be used as a privacy hedge?
Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it one of California's best native plants for privacy screens, hedges, and natural property borders.
Does Toyon lose its leaves?
No. Toyon is evergreen and provides lush green foliage throughout the year, with leathery leaves often compared to English holly.
Is Toyon deer resistant?
Established Toyon is generally considered moderately deer resistant, although young plants may require protection in areas with heavy deer pressure.
Why Buy Toyon from Yardwork?
At Yardwork, we specialize in premium landscape trees and native California plants selected for health, vigor, and long-term success.
Our Toyon plants are carefully grown to establish quickly, helping you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife while conserving water.
Whether you're planting a native privacy hedge, restoring habitat, or enhancing your home's curb appeal, Toyon is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is California's Iconic Evergreen Privacy Shrub
Looking for a beautiful, drought-tolerant California native that delivers year-round greenery, seasonal flowers, brilliant red berries, and outstanding wildlife value? Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), the only species in the genus Heteromeles, is one of the most versatile native shrubs you can plant.
Known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, Toyon has been a defining part of California's landscapes for thousands of years. Its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white flower clusters, and vibrant winter berries make it a favorite for homeowners, landscape designers, restoration projects, and anyone seeking a sustainable, low-water landscape.
Whether you're creating a privacy hedge, native habitat, erosion-control planting, or drought-tolerant garden, Toyon is one of the best California native plants available.
Why Choose Toyon?
✔ Native to California
✔ Evergreen year-round
✔ Highly drought tolerant after establishment
✔ Bright red berries through fall and winter
✔ Beautiful white spring flowers
✔ Excellent privacy hedge or screening plant
✔ Supports birds, butterflies, and native pollinators
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Long-lived landscape investment
✔ Fire-wise and water-wise landscape choice
Product Specifications
Botanical Name
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Common Names (including Christmas berry)
-
Toyon
-
California Holly
-
Christmas Berry
Plant Type
Evergreen Native Shrub / Small Tree
Mature Size
-
Height: 8–15 feet
-
Width: 6–10 feet
With occasional pruning, Toyon can be maintained as a dense hedge or trained into a beautiful multi-trunk specimen tree.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Approximately 12–24 inches of new growth annually under ideal conditions.
USDA Growing Zones
7–10
Why You'll Love Toyon
Unlike many ornamental shrubs that require frequent watering and fertilizing, Toyon thrives with minimal care.
Its naturally dense branching creates an outstanding privacy screen while its evergreen foliage keeps your landscape attractive every month of the year.
During spring, creamy white flower clusters blanket the shrub and attract beneficial pollinators. As autumn arrives, those flowers transform into brilliant scarlet berries that remain throughout winter, providing spectacular seasonal color while feeding native birds.
Few California native plants provide this much year-round interest. It also plays a significant role in California landscape history as the official city plant of Los Angeles, and Toyon is often cited as a possible inspiration for the name Hollywood.
A Favorite for California Native Landscapes
Toyon is one of the foundation species of California's chaparral and coastal sage ecosystems.
Because it evolved in California's Mediterranean climate, it naturally tolerates:
-
Summer heat
-
Drought
-
Poor soils
-
Slopes
-
Coastal conditions
-
Inland valleys
It performs exceptionally well in both residential and commercial landscapes, and as a California native plant it is considered relatively fire-resistant compared with many other shrubs while dramatically reducing outdoor water use.
Perfect Uses for Toyon
Toyon is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in:
Privacy Hedges
Dense evergreen foliage creates an attractive natural screen.
Native Gardens
An essential addition to California native landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens
Provides nectar, berries, nesting habitat, and shelter, and toyon berries are attracted to birds and other animals; birds and mammals eat the fruit and help disperse seeds.
Hillside Stabilization
Strong root systems help reduce erosion.
Commercial Landscapes
Excellent for parks, schools, municipalities, and low-maintenance properties.
Accent Plantings
Works beautifully as a specimen shrub or small ornamental tree.
Wildlife Benefits
Toyon is one of California's most valuable wildlife plants.
Its spring flowers attract:
-
Native bees
-
Butterflies
-
Beneficial insects
Its berries provide winter food for:
-
Cedar Waxwings
-
American Robins
-
Mockingbirds
-
Thrashers
-
Towhees
-
Many native bird species
Mammals such as coyotes and bears also feed on the berries and help disperse seeds.
Dense evergreen branches also provide year-round nesting habitat.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
If you're replacing a thirsty lawn or building a water-wise landscape, Toyon is an outstanding choice.
Once established, Toyon requires only occasional deep watering while maintaining lush evergreen foliage through California's hot, dry summers.
That means:
-
Lower water bills
-
Less maintenance
-
Greater landscape resilience
-
Long-term sustainability
Growing Conditions
Sun
-
Full Sun
-
Partial Shade
Full sun encourages the heaviest flowering and berry production.
Water
Low after establishment.
Provide regular irrigation during the first one to two growing seasons.
Soil
Toyon adapts well to:
-
Clay
-
Sandy soil
-
Loam
-
Rocky soil
Good drainage is recommended.
Planting Instructions
For best results:
-
Plant during fall, winter, or early spring whenever possible.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
-
Keep the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
-
Water deeply after planting.
-
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
-
Water consistently during establishment before gradually reducing irrigation.
Maintenance
Toyon is one of the easiest California native shrubs to maintain.
-
Little pruning required
-
Rarely needs fertilizer
-
Excellent drought resistance
-
Adaptable to many soil types
-
Good resistance to pests
-
Long lifespan
Occasional thinning after berry production helps maintain shape and airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyon native to California?
Yes. Toyon is native throughout much of California and northern Baja California and is one of the state's signature evergreen shrubs.
How fast does Toyon grow?
Toyon grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–24 inches each year depending on sunlight, water, and soil conditions.
Is Toyon drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Toyon is exceptionally drought tolerant and is widely recommended for water-wise and California native landscapes.
Does Toyon attract birds?
Absolutely. Its flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red berries provide an important winter food source for many native bird species.
Can Toyon be used as a privacy hedge?
Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it one of California's best native plants for privacy screens, hedges, and natural property borders.
Does Toyon lose its leaves?
No. Toyon is evergreen and provides lush green foliage throughout the year, with leathery leaves often compared to English holly.
Is Toyon deer resistant?
Established Toyon is generally considered moderately deer resistant, although young plants may require protection in areas with heavy deer pressure.
Why Buy Toyon from Yardwork?
At Yardwork, we specialize in premium landscape trees and native California plants selected for health, vigor, and long-term success.
Our Toyon plants are carefully grown to establish quickly, helping you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife while conserving water.
Whether you're planting a native privacy hedge, restoring habitat, or enhancing your home's curb appeal, Toyon is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
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Thousands of Healthy Plants Delivered
Yardwork was so great to work with. First they had the Swan Hill olive trees that we had been searching for, we had contacted several other nurseries without any luck previously. Then they answered all of our questions in a timely matter prior to ordering and finally delivered within a few days of placing it. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable; they delivered and planted our trees with expertise to ensure that they would do well in our yard. We would definitely work with them again for future projects.
A Modern Experience
At Yardwork, we carefully curate thousands of plants, in all container sizes, to provide you with the best selection of the highest quality trees and plants at the best price, with the convenience of an online platform.
Uncompromised Quality
We choose only the finest specimens and hand select our plants just before delivery to ensure you receive the freshest and most robust specimens available for your landscape.
Industry Leading Warranties
Our 30, 90, and 365 extended warranties provide some of the best coverage to ensure our trees and plants thrive in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.