Hooray for Hollywood! It was formerly Hollywoodland because of the California holly that still grows wild there. California holly is not actually holly, though. It formerly classified as hawthorn and two different photinia. It then became two other species of the genus that it is now. Ultimately, but perhaps just temporarily, it became toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia.
Toyon is native to all but a few counties of California. It is therefore quite happy within the chaparral climates here. Once established, it needs no more water than it gets from rain. Occasional irrigation enhances foliar color and vegetative growth. Excessive or frequent irrigation can cause roots to rot. Fire blight can sometimes become a significant problem.
Toyon is unlikely to grow more than twelve feet tall with sunny and warm exposure. It can grow more than twice as tall if it competes for sunlight with larger vegetation. The simple evergreen leaves are narrow and somewhat serrate. Billowy trusses of tiny white flowers bloom for early summer. Trusses of bright red berries feed birds through autumn.
(Some of the information within this article is very outdated because the article was recycled from several years ago.
Valley oak, as well as coast live oak, were the two most common native non-riparian tree species of the Santa Clara Valley.
Bringing nature to the garden is generally very unnatural. Before urban development of the Santa Clara Valley, there were a few valley and coast live oaks spread out sporadically over open chaparral, with a few sycamores, maples and other riparian specie only in the creeks and Guadalupe River that run through it. There are vastly more trees and plant life here now than there ever have been, and specie from every region of the world. Since exotic (non native) plants are from other climates and soils, they require unnatural accommodations, such as watering and fertilizers, to keep them happy.
The most natural gardening is done with native plants, which are naturally adapted to local climates and soils. Natives are not as demanding of amendments, fertilizers or pesticides as some exotic plants are, since they know how to get they want with the local resources available. Because most are satisfied with natural rainfall, they do just fine with minimal watering (once established).
All sorts of native plants will be available at the Native Plant Sale at Hidden Villa Ranch in Los Altos Hills in only ten days on October 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Deergrass, monkey flower, redbud, blue-eyed grass, buckwheat, sedums and native lilies and orchids will all be there and accurately labeled. Volunteers from the California Native Plant Society will be available to talk about alternatives to law, including native perennials, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Books about native plants, as well as posters and note cards featuring native plants will also be available.
From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Stephanie Curtis of Curtis Horticulture will give a free hour lecture about tips for planting success and maintenance for natives. Admission is limited to 25 people though, first come first served.
Hidden Villa Ranch is located at 26870 Moody Road in Los Alton Hills, two miles west of the Moody Road and El Monte Road interchange at Highway 280. Plant selection is best early in the day. All sales must be by cash or check, since credit cards are not accepted. It helps to bring boxes to carry purchased items. More information can be found at www.cnps-scv.org or cnps_scv@yahoo.com or by telephoning 650 – 260 3450. Incidentally, autumn is a good time for planting, since the warmest part of summer is over, and the rain will arrive soon to settle soil around the roots of newly planted plants.
Tony Tomeo 