Heteromeles arbutifolia
toyon
A well-liked native shrub or small tree whose natural habitat includes the campus. Its good-looking leathery leaves are about 3 inches long with finely toothed edges. The small white flowers are not conspicuous but the red berries brighten the winter. In spring, seedlings may be dug up in many places and easily grown. Numerous plants of natural origin can be found throughout the Arboretum and the nearly greenbelt along San Francisquito Creek, usually hugging the base of another tree. See planted specimens along Lomita Mall near Old Chemistry, in front of the Art Gallery, and at the pathway into Dohrmann Grove near Hoover Tower. The berries have been eaten both raw and cooked, and are very popular with cedar waxwings.
About this Entry: The main text of this entry is from the book Trees of Stanford and Environs, by Ronald Bracewell, published 2005. Planted specimen locations added; minor edits made; all locations up to date (Nov 2022, SP).
