Evergreen shrub, or small tree (15-25 feet tall and wide) with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves with spiny margins. Creamy white flower spikes in spring to early summer. In fall, there are reddish to purple fruits that attract many species of birds. California Native from central California to Baja California coastal mountains and foothills. Can be used as a hedge or screen, as well as for erosion control.

• Catalina cherry (P. ilicifolia spp. Lyonii, 20-30’ x 15-20’) is native to the Channel Islands and has shiny soft leaves that are not spiny.