Hollyleaf cherry

prunus ilicifolia

Also known as: ["Island cherry","Holly-leaved cherry"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Shrubs

Overview

A dense, evergreen shrub or small tree native to coastal California, known for its holly-like leaves and edible but tart cherries.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus ilicifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, stunted growth, or mold on soil surface indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn signs.

Watering

every 7–14 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, monitor pH, and avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers mild temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids prolonged frost.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before watering to prevent root burn.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed propagation.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for stem cuttings.

Timeline

4–8 weeks for roots to develop; 6–12 months to establish a mature plant.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic wrap.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading back to control size, and selective removal of crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for root health and growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if necessary, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, and water early in the morning or late in the evening.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the base of the plant, avoiding foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add compost, perlite, or sand to improve drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and nutrients.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch, wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; use frost cloth or mulch for protection; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply and mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer, apply during growing season, dilute properly, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus ilicifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Prunus ilicifolia is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Prunus ilicifolia are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can lead to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Prunus ilicifolia due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant mortality.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides found in Prunus ilicifolia. The toxins cause severe metabolic and respiratory distress, with rapid onset of symptoms that can be life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing lethargy tremors seizures weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The cyanogenic glycosides in Prunus ilicifolia are highly toxic to dogs, disrupting cellular respiration and leading to severe metabolic disturbances. Ingestion can result in rapid toxicity and potentially fatal outcomes.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Prunus ilicifolia contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to significant physiological disruption. The toxins interfere with cellular respiration, causing oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain difficulty breathing dizziness weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hollyleaf cherry toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Can the cherries be eaten?

A: Yes, the cherries are edible but very tart and are often used in jams or cooked dishes.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruit.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–14 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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