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Plant Profile

Summer Holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia)

Photo Credit: John Rusk

Global Rank: T2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Ericaceae
State: CA
Nature Serve ID: 140835
Lifeform: Shrub, Tree
Date Inducted in National Collection:

Description:

The Summer Holly is a coastal shrub that is native to California and Baja California, usually found on well drained slopes within chaparral communities. It slowly grows upright to a height of about 20 feet or more, characterized by striking white flowers in the spring. In the summer, it bears holly-like, bright red berries with bumpy skin. As it is highly intolerant to direct water in the summer, the plant will usually die after the first year. Industrialization and development serve as a significant threat to this species, particularly in San Diego County. Gravel mining is also a threat, and as a result the summer holly has been diminished to approximately six to twenty extant occurrences.

Where is Summer Holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) located in the wild?

States & Provinces:

Summer Holly can historically be found in California

Which CPC Partners conserve Summer Holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia)?

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Not Sponsored

Assigned 06/09/17

California Botanic Garden

Not Sponsored

Assigned 06/09/17

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia is known from approximately six to twenty extant occurrences. Development is a threat, particularly in San Diego County. Gravel mining is also a threat to this taxon.