- Size:
Height: 30'; Spread: 20' in San Francisco
- Growth:
Moderate
- Character:
Evergreen; upright, rounded crown.
- Foliage:
Glossy green, 3-5", narrowly ovate leaves. May have undulated margins.
- Flower:
4-6" raceme of 1/4" white flowers.
- Fruit:
Dark purple, round, 1" drupe in summer. Edible.
- Bark:
Dark gray, furrowed.
- Watering:
In general, 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
- Tree Care:
Low. Early pruning needed to establish and maintain a central leader, and to develop good branch structure; pruning needed less frequently with age.
- Tolerance:
Drought (once established), loam or sandy soil, shade, coastal conditions, high winds.
- Special Considerations:
Can be grown as a shrub. Fruit litter. Susceptible to aphids, scale, and sooty mold.
- Notable Traits:
California native (Channel Islands). Often hybridizes with Prunus ilicifolia in native habitat.