Fruit Trees and Shrubs for California

California is home to fruit trees and shrubs not found anywhere else in North America. Other trees and shrubs are found in California and in a very limited growing area elsewhere. One thing these fruit trees and shrubs of California prove is you do not need a large tree to produce a bumper crop of edible fruits. These are perfect for small and large California properties alike and for those without any land, they also make great container plants for a California patio or terrace.

Pineapple guava
(Feijoa sellowiana) produces edible flowers and fruits. The plant grows as a large shrub or small tree up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The tree features egg-shaped leaves from 2 to 3 inches long and white-red flowers up to 1 inch across that can be eaten right off the tree or used in salads. The flowers give way to round or egg-shaped fruits from 1 to 3 inches long. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. Pineapple guava is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10.

Pomegranate
(Punica granatum) is a large shrub that grows from 6 to 15 feet tall. The leaves are shiny and 3 inches long. The orange-red flowers are trumpet shaped and 2 inches long and give way to shiny red or yellow-green fruits. The plant may not be the largest, but it will still produce around 300 pounds of fruit a year, when mature. Pomegranates love long hot, dry summers and cool winters and need full sun. The shrub is salt tolerant and can grow in just about any type of soil as long as it is moist. High humidity will cut back on the volume of fruit
The shrubs can produce more than 300 lbs (136 kg) of fruit per year. Pomegranates are hardy in zones 8 to 11.

Hollyleaf cherry
(Prunus ilicifolia) is a small, evergreen shrub or tree that grows up to 10 feet tall. Dark-green holly-type leaves are the background for white flowers growing in long, spike like clusters. When the flowers are done, they are replaced by long clusters of juicy, red or dark-purple to black cherries. The Hollyleaf Cherry was first brought to California with the first Spanish settlers of the area. The fruits are mostly pit, but sweet all the same. However, most of them are eaten by wildlife. The leaves are used as Christmas decorations. The plant is found only in California. Plant in full sun and a dry rocky soil.