Useful and Edible Plants of California / Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)

• Grows in chaparral, grasslands and open woods (needs sun).
• Do not confuse toyon with the toxic cotoneaster (the edges of cotoneaster leaves are smooth, whereas those of the toyon are coarsely toothed).
• Berries ripen in December.
• The ripe berries were either roasted or boiled, then eaten (may be too bitter and astringent for some people's palate).