Catalina Cherry
Prunus lyonii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Catalina Cherry is an evergreen tree that produces clusters of small white flowers in spring, generally March through May. It suits coastal California gardens with full sun and low to moderate water once established.
Catalina Cherry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Catalina cherry is an attractive evergreen tree featuring glossy green leaves and clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by dark purple fruits. This drought-tolerant tree grows relatively quickly to 15-30 feet tall and wide.
Growing Catalina Cherry
Grow Catalina Cherry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Catalina Cherry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Fruit drop may create temporary mess on hardscapes
- May need strategic pruning to maintain formal appearance
Wildlife value
Catalina cherry provides significant habitat value with flowers that attract bees and butterflies in spring. Birds are drawn to the cherry fruits that develop later in the season.
Common questions
- When does Catalina Cherry bloom?
- Catalina Cherry typically flowers from March through May, producing small clusters of white blossoms along its branches.
- What pollinators visit Catalina Cherry flowers?
- Bees and butterflies commonly visit the flowers of Catalina Cherry, drawn to the clusters of small white blooms in spring.
- How much water does Catalina Cherry need?
- Catalina Cherry is drought tolerant once established and does well with low water, though it can handle occasional moderate irrigation, especially while young.
- What growing conditions does Catalina Cherry prefer?
- This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun to part shade, and it fits well into coastal and mild-climate landscapes.
- Is Catalina Cherry evergreen or deciduous?
- Catalina Cherry is evergreen, keeping its glossy dark green leaves throughout the year.
- Is Catalina Cherry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Catalina Cherry is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Catalina Cherry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Catalina Cherry is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Catalina Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Catalina Cherry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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