Kumeyaay name: hosiill
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Summary of the toyon and its traditional use:
Toyon is a common, perennial shrub that is native to California, northern Baja and parts of the Pacific Northwest. This shrub commonly grows 4-6 feet in height and is a prominent member of the oak woodland and chaparral plant community. Toyon grows abundantly in the hills near Hollywood. Interestingly, the name ‘hollywood’ is a reference to a common name for toyon, which is California holly.
The Kumeyaay pound the leaves of the toyon to produce a pulp. This pulp is used to wash sores. The fruit from this plant is also consumed as food. The bark and leaves of toyon are useful in washing out wounds.