Prunus ilicifolia ssp lyonii - Catalina Cherry
Prunus ilicifolia ssp lyonii can be grown as an upright shrub or small tree, growing to 30 feet and 15 feet wide. The Catalina Cherry is often used as a hedge. The large dark green leaves make a pretty dense screen. Catalina Cherry reproduces easily from seed and produces quite a few suckers from the roots and from the base of the trunk. The Catalina Cherry produces 4" tresses of fragrant cream to white flowers in the Spring and red turning to black cherries in the Summer. Try one of these and you have new respect for the idea of what the flavor tart means. Prunus ilicifolia lyonii grows well in full sun to moderate shade. The Catalina Cherry prefers reasonable drainage. Prunus ilicifolia lyonii is a larval host for the Lorquin's Admiral Butterfly and Pale Tiger Swallowtail. The Catalina Cherry is native to the islands off the coast of California. Prunus lyonii is Winter hardy to below 15° F, significantly more chill than the islands might ever dish out.
Red Cherry fruit of Prunus ilicifolia lyonii - Catalina Cherry. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.
Other plants from the Genus Prunus featured on this site:
Prunus andersonii
Prunus campanulata
Prunus ilicifolia
Elephant Heart Plum
May Pride Peach