Legend has it, the name “Hollywood” stems from a plant found in California, specifically a shrub known as the toyon. This perennial shrub, native to the western part of California, is also known as the Christmas berry or California Holly for the bright red berries it produces, especially during the fall and winter. This nickname of California Holly is what allegedly sparked the idea for the name “Hollywood.”

Though toyon plants enjoy the sunshine, they do tend to grow in areas that have partial shade and can be found in several drier areas of Orange County’s open spaces. Toyon are adaptable plants and can handle a variety of soils, but do especially well when near seasonal creeks, bottoms of slopes or irrigated areas. When given proper moisture, toyon plants can be fire-retardant, which helps when located in areas prone to dry conditions and especially during peak wildfire season.
To learn more about native plants on the Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.