Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia(Lindl.) M. Roem., was originally named Photiniaarbutifolia Lindl., but now it is in a monotypic genus, while the genus Aronia Medik., is instead included by some in the genus Photinia Lindl., which includes the horrible ornamental shrub known as red tip. Toyon is also known as California holly and may have been the origin of the name of Hollywood, CA. It is evergreen with red berries thus it is also called Christmas berry and was widely used for Christmas decorations where it is native in California until collection was banned on public lands. The fruit is reported to be eatable, but due to a small amount of cyanogenic glycosides that convert to cyanide when eaten fresh, therefore, the fruits should first be cooked.
