Prunus ilicifolia

Prunus ilicifolia is a North American species of Prunus with the common names hollyleaf cherry, evergreen cherry, and in native Salinan, islay. Prunus ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub or tree with shiny and spiny toothed leaves similar in appearance to those of holly. It grows to nearly 15 metres (49 feet) tall, with thick, alternate leaves 1.6–12 centimetres (3⁄4–4+3⁄4 inches) in length. It has small white flowers growing in clusters, similar in appearance to most members of the rose family. The purple to black fruit is a sweet drupe with a very thin pulp around a large single stone. Despite its name, the species is not a true cherry. It is native to parts of the Californias in both the United States and Mexico. The plant is prized in horticulture, being showy and easily grown from seed, and has been cultivated for centuries as a food source. It tolerates twice yearly pruning when often used as a hedge. The fruit is edible, while the pit is toxic unless processed for consumption. The plant has various uses in Native American ethnobotany.