Summer-holly, Mock Arbutus
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It grows 6 m high. It can form woody tubers and sprout from the stump. The leaves are arranged in a horizontal fashion. They are 3-13 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The leaves on shoot suckers are larger and wider. The flowering shoots are 4-14 cm long. The fruit are 5-7 mm across
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are poisonous when fresh but are edible after boiling.
Edible parts
Fruit, caution