Haas native plants

Now we find ourselves on the fully urbanized landscape of the UC Berkeley campus. Strawberry Creek remains below ground at this elevation, but we are surrounded by life, including a nice selection of native plants on the steps that lead down from the Haas School of Business. Among the young coast redwood trees, try to find the species of small tree with deep green, leathery leaves with serrated edges. This is toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), a widespread species that flourishes in the Mediterranean climate of California. Toyon produces clusters of bright red berries in the winter, and it also called Christmas berry or hollywood (yes, the name of the Los Angeles neighborhood was borrowed from this tree which once grew prolifically there). You should also try to find a small shrub here with similar deep green, leathery leaves, although the edges of these leaves are smooth, lacking sharp teeth. This is coffeeberry (Frangula californica), and it produces plump berries that turn from dark blue to black as they ripen. Even in a concrete jungle such as the steps of Haas, a nice selection of native plants can provide a powerful connection to the local landscape.