Catalina Cherry Tree

A few miles off of the coast of Southern California, from Santa Barbara down to LA, are eight Channel Islands. They differ in the rustic beauty and glamorous excess. But one thing they all have in common is that they are the native home to the lovely Catalina Cherry Tree (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii)!

The big, dark, glossy green leaves are broadleaf evergreen throughout USDA planting zones 7 to 9, It stays relatively slender, too! Because Catalina grows 25 - 35 feet in height with a slimmer width of just 15 - 20 feet tall.

Spring brings long drooping clusters of panicles full of creamy white blossoms from which the fruit will form. Bringing in the butterflies and pollinators galore with their slightly sweet scent and sometimes lasting into the month of June!

Just like you'd hope, it does bear edible red to black glossy fruit. After a flush of winter-to-spring flowers, red cherry-like fruits ripen in the summer! They have a distinct taste - it's cherry, but not a sweet cherry. They are good eaten fresh, but you'll need to beat the birds to them!

Catalina does need a pollinator, so choose another Prunus ilicifolia species as a cross-pollinator.

Landscape Application:

The gorgeous broadleaf evergreen leaves make this an exceptional screen for blocking out the neighbors. The slimmer profile makes it easy to create a privacy hedge, fruiting property division, or bird-friendly windbreaks in side yards or along fences!

Or choose Catalina as a striking flowering and fruiting front yard tree or backyard shade when planted individually or in groupings for increased pollination! It's easy to include as long as you have full sun! Plus Catalina Cherry trees grow fast! So there's no wait before your first harvest!

Able to grow in high heat, full sun, and higher elevations (up to 2,000), this native tree thrives in coastal areas, in xeric sites, and even some partial shade! The only downside is sometimes all that delicious fruit can stain pavement, so be careful when situating your tree, accounting for its near-future mature width.

• Creamy White Spring Flower Panicles
• Sweetly Scented & Attract Pollinators
• Great Edible Landscaping - Glossy Green Broadleaf Evergreen Leaves
• Red to Black Glossy Tart Fruit - Edible For Jams, Pies & More
• Or Leave Fruit For The Birds
• Hedge, Windbreak, or Screen
• Great for Coastal, High Elevation, Native & Xeriscape Landscapes

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Catalina Cherry Trees thrive in Mediterranean climates and in just about any well-drained soil. They don't tolerate cold much lower than 20 degrees, so plant accordingly. Provide regular moisture access to new installations and some summer watering to keep the fruit forming without stress during the worst of the heat. Prune in late winter or early spring if needed. Provide your tree with a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch for best results!

• Full Sun Plant & Handles Part Shade
• Well-Drained Soil
• Moderate to Low Moisture Once Established
• Prune Late Winter/Early Spring
• Very Adaptable & Hardy

If you're in the right place and are interested in a beautiful native plant that will work hard for you, then definitely give Catalina Cherry a try. We don't have tons, so don't wait to order!