From Figueroa Mtn Autumn is Toyon season.

The Toyon is also known as the California holly and Christmas berry.

Fall is a great time on Figueroa Mountain. As you wind your way up the road, you begin to see the changes in the leaves of the blue oak from green to orange and gold; remnants of common buckwheat are scattered about as well. While the leaves may distract you, you may miss one of my favorite fall plants — the toyon.

The toyon, also know as California Holly or Christmas Berry, is an evergreen shrub or tree and is widely distributed throughout the chaparral community on the cooler north-facing slopes. In early summer it produces small white flowers that have a mild, hawthorn-like scent, which attract numerous bees. So amorous are the bees that some beekeepers are seeking out the toyon to place their hives near, as the honey produced is light in color.

Like many plants in the area, the toyon is one tough cookie. Each mature leaf sports a halo of short spines, much like a holly leaf, which discourages deer and other browsers from foraging the branches. Additionally, Toyon conserves water with a heavy, waxy coat on both their leaves and branches; this coating helps the plant resist water evaporation from its cells. Because of this resistance, it requires little water, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens and dry areas subject to hazardous fire conditions.

Along with their resistant attributes, the toyon also has gorgeous little berries that turn from green to dark red with the onset of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Although you are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of the toyon in the wild, a California State Law passed in the 1920s forbidding the collection of them on public land prohibits you from picking the berries. Why? They were so popular for decorations in Los Angeles during the 1920s that the toyon plant was almost wiped out. Thanks to the halting of their untimely extinction in the Southern California area, migrating birds and coyotes continue to enjoy the berrie’s tasty appeal.

So this fall, after October or the first deep cold spell, look for the California Holly after crossing the bridge at the bottom of Figueroa Mountain, or over the top of the mountain and into Davy Brown, on the way out of Happy Canyon or when driving over San Marcos Pass. Colorful toyon grow right along the roadside in all these locations and can’t be missed.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery no matter what the season!