Heteromeles arbutifolia is a shrub that naturally found in California, British Columbia (Canada) and Mexico. It is belonging to Rosacea family and the only member of the Heteromeles genus. The genus name is from the Greek words ‘heter‘ meaning ‘different’ and ‘malus‘ meaning ‘apple’, to resemblance of it fruits to an apple. The specific epithet ‘arbutifolia’ refers to this plants leaves resemble that of the Arbutus unedo’s (Strawberry Tree) leaves. Toyon is closely related to the Asian genus Photinia, its old name was Photinia arbutifolia. “Toyon” is a Spanish alteration of ‘totcon’ the word used for this plant by the Ohlone Indians at California coast.

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Heteromeles arbutifolia is an evergreen shrub that typically grows into a dense plant to 300 cm tall and 250 cm wide, older plants can be taller and wider. It has grey bark, either smooth or fissured with age that holds leathery 5-10 cm long oblong leaves that are serrated along the margins. Leaves are evergreen, alternate, sharply toothed, have short petioles, and are 5–10 cm in length and 2–4 cm wide. Many small, white, mildly fragrant flowers, 6–10 mm diameter appears in terminal clusters in late spring to early summer that produce bright red pea sized berries in the winter. Fruits and seed mature in late autumn to early winter. Fruits remain on the plants into January or until birds eat them.

Toyon prefers under full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant but tolerates some water if drainage is good. It can survive temperatures as low as -18 °C. Propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings.

Two varieties of the plant, have been named; Heteromeles arbutifolia var. Cerina and Heteromeles arbutifolia var Macrocarpa. Cerina is a yellow-fruited form, and Macrocarpa has more floriferous inflorescences and larger fruits. In 2012 Toyon was named the official native plant of the City of Los Angeles.

Use in Landscape: Heteromeles arbutifolia is one of the beautiful evergreen shrubs, with short trunk, many branches, and rounded crown. It is very showy in winter with evergreen leaves and abundant red fruit. Also it is popular for Christmas decorations. A pioneer plant on eroded soil, it sprouts vigorously after fire or cutting. Toyon is widely planted as screens, hedges, or specimen plants in urban landscapes, gardens and parks.  The plant is valued for its evergreen leaves, attractive fruits, ability to naturalize, and its broad tolerance to different soils and climates from coastal to inland locations. It survives on little water, making it suitable for xeriscape gardening, and is less of a fire hazard than some other shrubs.

Heteromeles arbutifolia’s pomes are edible and can be made into a jelly. They dried and stored, then later cooked into porridge or pancakes. A recent study examined the phytochemistry and safety of Toyon fruits as a traditional treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. A number of compounds isolated from toyon fruits are anti-inflammatory agents.

The hard wood was used for making bowls, cups, pegs, frames, clubs, arrows, poles for buildings, and many other items.