Toyon

Poisonous

Although the summer clusters of small white flowers are attractive, toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is best known for its bright red berries, which are conspicuous from November through the winter – or until they are devoured by wildlife. The berries give rise to the alternate names: Christmas berry and California holly.
This plant grows all through the hills of Los Angeles. Many thought it was a Holly, so they named the location "Hollywood".

Compared with other chaparral and sage scrub species, toyon is relatively inflammable. After a fire, toyon resprouts vigorously from the root crown; survival of seeds, however, is poor.

Caution

NOTE: Both leaves and immature fruits contain a cyanide compound that can cause sickness and death; in mature fruits, the toxin is concentrated in the seed, not the pulp.