VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Prunus ilicifolia | Hollyleaf Cherry 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Hollyleaf cherry is browsed by a number of big game species including
California mule deer and bighorn sheep [5,40].  Use typically occurs in
the late summer or fall when herbaceous species are largely unavailable
[32].  The juicy, sweet-tasting berries are readily consumed by many
songbirds [14,40]; rodents and other small mammals eat the seeds [8].
The seeds or pits of many species of cherry (Prunus spp.) are poisonous
to most livestock [14,40].


PALATABILITY : 
Palatability of hollyleaf cherry browse depends on plant condition and
community associates [14,32].  Postburn sprouts are highly preferred deer
browse on chaparral sites in the central Coast Range [1].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Hollyleaf cherry is one of an array of broadleaved shrubs constituting
scrub oak chaparral [15,16].  Tall shrub communities dominated by scrub
oak lend structural and compositional diversity to a landscape otherwise
dominated by shorter statured chamise chaparral.  As a result, they
provide important nesting and hiding cover for numerous birds and small
mammals.


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Hollyleaf cherry can stabilize steep, erodible hillsides [40].  Plants
are easily propagated from seed sown in flats, open seedbeds, or
directly onto the ground [7,8]; if direct planted, seeds are often
consumed by rodents [8].  Seedlings grow best in full sunlight and
porous soil [7] and will tolerate considerable abuse in handling [40].
Once transplanted, hollyleaf cherry requires little maintainence.
Transplants usually begin seed production within 2 years of setting out
and subsequent volunteers are numerous [8].  On relatively poor
chaparral sites, transplants can reach heights and spreads of 3 to 5
feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) within 20 years [8].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Due to its shiny, evergreen leaves and profusion of feathery blooms,
hollyleaf cherry is often cultivated as an ornamental hedge [7,8].  The
fruits can be dried for storage or eaten raw [5].  Historical uses
included grinding the pits into flour and fermenting the berries into an
intoxicating drink [5,7].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Prunus ilicifolia | Hollyleaf Cherry