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Hollyleaf Cherry

Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia

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Overview

The Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia, is an evergreen shrub native to California. It flaunts glossy, holly-like foliage and in spring, bears clusters of fragrant white flowers. Come fall, attractive red to purple cherries appear, savored by local wildlife. This hardy plant thrives in full sun, reaches 10-15 feet in height, and is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and natural gardens.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 8–10Climate Mediterranean

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
8–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Rosaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (23)

Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — The Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia ssp
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — It flaunts glossy, holly-like foliage and in spring, bears clusters of fragrant white flowers
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — ilicifolia, is an evergreen shrub native to California
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — Come fall, attractive red to purple cherries appear, savored by local wildlife
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — reaches 10-15 feet in height
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — This hardy plant thrives in full sun
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — and is drought-tolerant once established
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — The Hollyleaf Cherry, scientifically designated as Prunus ilicifolia ssp
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and natural gardens
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — As a landscape architect assistant
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — Distinctive for its holly-like
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — that measure up to 2 inches in length
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — spiny-toothed dark green leaves
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — it provides dense foliage year-round
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — creating excellent privacy screens or windbreaks.<br><br>In late spring
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — the Hollyleaf Cherry produces attractive white to cream flowers in small clusters
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — gracing the landscape with a subtle fragrance
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — By late summer or early fall
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — the plant bears fruits which are small cherries about 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — starting green and maturing to a deep purple or black
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — The fruit provides a valuable food source for local wildlife
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — including birds and mammals
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus Ilicifolia Ssp. Ilicifolia) — while also being edible for humans after careful preparation.<br><br>Preferring full sun to partial shade

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