Catalina Island Cherry (Prunus lyonii)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Prunus lyonii is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour than P. — A finer flavour than P.; ilicifolia, the best forms are said to compare favourably with cultivated sweet cherries.; The fruits have a tough leathery skin and a very large seed.; The fruit itself is fairly large, up to 3cm in diameter, with a thick sweet juicy flesh.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in all situations from the fertile valleys and canyons at the waters edge up to altitudes of 1,000 metres on the dry interior ridges. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)