The Toyon is an evergreen large shrub or small tree that is one of the most widely distributed members of the Chaparral community.  Native to the Sierra Nevada foothills, the costal ranges and coastal plains from Southern California to Baja California, it is the only species of the genus Heteromeles.  A combination of two greek words meaning "different apple", Heteromeles refers to the fruit which indeed resembles a tiny apple on close examination.  
    With leaves superficially resembling Holly, it gained the common name of California Holly and the city of Hollywood is said to have been named for the many trees in residence on nearby hills.  A third common name, Christmas Berry, was applied because the colorful berries ripen around the holiday season.  In fact, they make beautiful Christmas floral arrangements to replace "boughs of holly".  However, it is illegal by state law to gather the fruiting branches in the wild.  Since this is a major winter food source for birds and other wildlife, the temptation should be resisted.
    Native Americans at the fresh berries roasted or steamed which removed bitterness.  Also dried and ground, they were added to dried meats to make pemican.  A tea from the leaves and bark was used for stomach ache and other pains.