Summer-holly
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Last reviewed: October 2026
Summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.
Toxicity unknown
Summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–144" H × 72"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dense evergreen shrub with reddish, shredding bark, glossy dark leaves, and clusters of small white urn-shaped flowers followed by warty red berries. Found on coastal chaparral slopes.
Growing Summer-holly
Grow Summer-holly in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers attract native bees; red berries are eaten by birds in late summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Summer-holly need?
- Summer-holly grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Summer-holly bloom?
- Summer-holly blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Summer-holly native?
- Summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Summer-holly attract?
- Summer-holly draws bees and hummingbirds.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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
Ready to grow Summer-holly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.