Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) grows in the wild in California. Plant the toyon in a hole that is of equal volume to the original nursery container. Load More. Toyon is common in the foothills and low mountains up to 4,000 feet. Elsewhere on the burn, the majority of toyon individuals had sprouted by December at which time plants usually exhibited at least 12 sprouts per plant and sprout heights of over 6 inches (15 cm) . – toyon Subordinate Taxa. Toyon is widely distributed throughout California in the chaparral and oak woodland plant communities. In most cases, it doesn’t benefit you or the shrub to have to continually reduce the height. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. The Plants Database includes the following 1 species of Heteromeles . If you know that your shrub will grow to be 15 to 20 feet tall, it’s best not to plant it under a 10-foot-high roof unless you’re up for an ongoing maintenance challenge. The blossoms give way to red berries in early winter. Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon Legal Status . By Teo Spengler. What Is Toyon: Learn About Toyon Plant Care And Information. Get Started. Heteromeles M. Roem. In woodlands, it becomes more open, rangy and tree-like in shape. Information About Toyon. Payne, along with his business partner, Ralph Cornell were early promoters of California native plants and greatly appreciated the value of the Heteromeles arbutifolia. Know the shrub’s mature height before planting. In exposed places Toyon is low and dense. It grows well throughout the Inland Empire and is particularly well suited to native gardens where its attractive foliage and fruit is appreciated for screening and background plantings. This prominent member of the Rose family (Rosaceae) can be found in the woodland, chaparral and coastal scrub plant biomes.Toyon is also referred to as Christmas berry and California holly. Toyon is covered with profuse white blooms in late summer and fall. Although toyon cover is initially reduced following burning, most plants rapidly regain their prefire size and biomass [ … Click here for more information. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)The toyon is a shrubby tree that is native to California and Baja, Mexico. It is as attractive and useful as the cotoneaster shrub but uses a lot less water and its care generally is very easy. Toyon is an evergreen shrub or tree growing to 6 – 15 feet in height with plant size and shape depends on its habitat. Birds love the berries, but because the fruit is produced in such quantity, plenty are available for winged visitors to eat and for you to enjoy the color in the garden. Introduced as a landscape plant in the early 1900's, Toyon is credited to Theodore Payne who came to California from England in 1893. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. Toyon is an attractive and unusual shrub, also known as Christmas berry or California holly. The beautiful fall and winter, bright-red berry display is without comparison. It prefers well-drained soils, full sun and tolerates summer drought conditions. Toyon is an evergreen shrub or multistem tree.