Toyon

Photinia arbutifolia

Toyon

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Photinia
Species:
Photinia arbutifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, dec
Bloom Colors:
red, white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: California, Hawaii

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acrobasis tricolorella, Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Coleotechnites sp., Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana), Nemoria leptalea, orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Orthosia praeses, Othello dagger moth (Acronicta othello), Parornix arbutifoliella, Parornix quadripunctella, 🛑Precious Underwing (Catocala pretiosa), Sabulodes caberata, Stigmella heteromelis, Western amorbia moth (Amorbia cuneanum), Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californica), Western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta), Western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta?), Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to chaparral and coastal scrub habitats

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Place seed in a 10% bleach solution for 1 minute. Rinse and soak overnight in fresh water. Strain and place seeds in new plastic freezer bag with an equal amount of moist vermiculite. Stratify for 45 to 60 days in a refrigerator.

Establishment: Seeds are collected between September 1st and January 1st. Mature fruits are red. Open fruits and check for seed maturity. Seeds should be tan and hard. Toyon grows in flats easily. Make sure to transplant before taproots reach bottom of flats and when seedlings have 2 pairs of leaves.

Source: npn.rngr.net