Introduction to Valentien Collection

The Artist

The History of the Paintings

The Valentien Watercolor Project

Gallery of Plants

The toyon, a large shrub or small tree in the rose family, is found in our region primarily in chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities. Flowers of the toyon appear in large panicles of creamy-white around June and give off a spicy odor; they are very attractive to bees. The leaves are evergreen, leathery and have serrate edges. The large clusters of bright red fruit begin to show color around the middle of October and often remain on the bushes well past New Year's, assuming they have not all been eaten by birds--especially Cedar Waxwings.

California Indians and early settlers consumed the fruit in a drink as well as drying, roasting, and grinding them into a meal. It is believed by some that the city of Hollywood got its name from the abundance of toyon shrubs in the area. The berries were so popular for use in Christmas decorations that a law was passed in the 1920s making it illegal to pick the branches. It is one of the best native California shrubs to use for home landscaping.