Hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia, Syn. Pl. 3: 43 (1842))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) D.Dietr.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 3: 43 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prunus

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Mexico (Baja California)

Description

The Hollyleaf cherry, scientifically known as Prunus ilicifolia, is a notable evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the family Rosaceae. First detailed in Syn. Pl. 3: 43 in 1842 by Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn. and later classified by D. Dietr., this species is indigenous to a range that spans from California to Baja California in Mexico.

The Hollyleaf cherry, aptly named for its holly-like leaves, is recognizable by its dense, robust foliage which provides excellent cover and nesting space for various wildlife. The leaves are sharply toothed, shiny, and dark green, giving the plant a unique and striking appearance that remains vibrant year-round.

This hardy plant thrives in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland regions, adapting well to the Mediterranean climate characteristic of its native range. It is particularly adapted to well-drained soils and can often be found in rocky and clayey terrains.

Flowering in the spring, Prunus ilicifolia produces small, white blossoms that are not only attractive but also provide an important food source for pollinators. These flowers eventually give way to small, red to deep purple cherries, which while bitter to the human palate, are a valuable resource for local bird species and other wildlife.

The Hollyleaf cherry is not only valued for its ecological contributions but also for its potential uses in landscaping, particularly in wildlife gardens and native plant restorations. Its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs make it an ideal candidate for low-water-use gardens.

In summary, Prunus ilicifolia serves as a crucial component of its native ecosystem, providing habitat and sustenance to a variety of creatures while also presenting an attractive and resilient option for gardeners and landscapers. Its distinctive features and adaptability reflect the rich biodiversity of the Californian and Baja Californian regions.

Common Names

Eng: hollyleaf cherry
En: Hollyleaf cherry

Synonyms

• Cerasus ilicifolia (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.)
• Lauro-cerasus ilicifolia ((Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) M.Roem.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2020 by Liz Pucket (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2019 by Burl Travis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by asenjo vasquez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Johnny Poppyseed (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Johnny Poppyseed (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30123157-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3020610)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus ilicifolia (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) D.Dietr.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth