Quick answer: Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Poor, dry, well-drained soil |
| Bloom | Apr-Sep |
| Height | 6-8 ft typically, up to 15-20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Birds eat berries, drought-tolerant, long-lived |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Toyon
Where is Toyon native?
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is native to California. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Toyon bloom?
Toyon blooms Apr-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Toyon need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Dry. Soil: Poor, dry, well-drained soil. Mature height: 6-8 ft typically, up to 15-20 ft.
Is Toyon good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Birds eat berries, drought-tolerant, long-lived.
Is Toyon deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Toyon is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Toyon?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Heteromeles arbutifolia by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Toyon.
- Hummingbird sage Salvia spathacea
- White sage Salvia apiana
- California coffeeberry Rhamnus californica
- Common manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita
- Foothill penstemon Penstemon heterophyllus
- Purple needlegrass Stipa pulchra
Also listed under
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