Botanical Name: Prunus ilicifolia
Common Name: Hollyleaf Cherry, Islay
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub/tree
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape an upright, densely branching plant, forming an oval to rounded canopy; older plants become more treelike with a sturdy trunk and primary branches
Height 10' - 20' (30')
Spread equal
Growth Rate slow-moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun preferred; tolerates partial; thrives inland
Soil prefers well-draining, drier soils
Hardiness hardy (zones 7-9, 14-24):can tolerate frosts to 4000'
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, broadly oval-elliptic; leathery, medium to dark green, with distinctive toothed margins; 1"-2" long
Flowers creamy white, small, in terminal racemes 1"-2" long; May - June
Fruit a drupe; dark maroon-red, to black, 1/2" diameter; fleshy
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
background, screens or loose tall hedges, valued for its heavy bloom and clean foliage; can be easily developed into a small accent tree (for form) with pruning; can be trained as a formal hedge
 
Landscape Care:
Watering prefers an infrequent deep soaking after establishment; is very drought tolerant
Fertilizing little needed
Pruning to shape desired; for best flower production, wait until blooming season has ended (summer)
Pests/Diseases aphids, scale in heavily shaded locations; very resistant to oak root fungus
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Southern California to Baja
Family: Rosaceae

Notes:
 
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