Comarostaphylis diversifolia subsp. diversifolia

Summer holly, Summer Holly

Family: Ericaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

Summer holly is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in southern California coastal and Peninsular Ranges in chaparral habitats at elevations of 100 to 550 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers in distinctive clusters 3.5 to 8 centimeters long. Growing as an upright evergreen shrub 1 to 2 meters tall with reddish bark and multiple woody stems. Its leathery, dark green leaves are oval to lance-shaped, arranged alternately along the branches, and have smooth edges. The plant produces small, berry-like fruits that attract wildlife in its native chaparral ecosystem.

Habitat: Chaparral

Bloom period: May-Jun

Elevation: 100-550 m

Bioregions: SCo, PR

California counties: Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ventura

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.