Prunus ilicifolia (Common names: hollyleaf cherry, evergreen cherry, islay is native to the chaparral areas of coastal California as well as the desert chaparral areas of the Mojave desert.

Prunus ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub to tree, producing edible cherries, with shiny and spiny toothed leaves similar in appearance to those of English holly. It grows 2.4 to 9.1 metres (8 to 30 feet) tall. It has small white flowers growing in clusters, similar in appearance to most members of the rose family, flowering from March to May. The purple to black fruit is sweet, with a very thin pulp around a large single stone.

The plant is prized for cultivation, showy and easily grown from seed, and has been cultivated for centuries as a food source, and tolerates twice yearly pruning when often used as a hedge. The plant likes full sun, loose open soil (porous), and tolerates drought conditions well once established.

The seeds are in very limited supply.

Type: Hardy tree

Hardiness zones: 8-10, possibly zone 7

Seeds per pack: 3

Note: The seeds and leaves of prunus contain poisons. Do not eat them.

Germination: Use a sterile seed-start mix. Surface sow in a pot. Water, and place in plastic, and in the fridge for 60-90 days for stratification. Then bring to warmth for them to germinate. Keep continually moist.