Toyon (Christmas Berry)

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Illustration: Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) red berry clusters

Identification: Evergreen shrub with toothed holly-like leaves; flat clusters of white flowers; bright red berry clusters in winter ('California holly' — Hollywood's namesake).

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with the same toothed evergreen leaves + red winter berry clusters. Eat only fully ripe red berries; raw green ones are astringent.

Edible parts: Fully ripe red berries.

Season and habitat: Winter. Chaparral, oak woodland, canyons.

Preparation: Best cooked — jelly, sauce, or dried like currants. Raw ripe berries are mealy-tart; cooking sweetens them.