Page 25 - LLR-Exploration II

Holly Leaf Shape
Islay Hill

Sierra Club
Wild Cherry in landscaping
Islay Hill is a volcanic cone, and is the southernmost of the nine volcanic mountains and hills that make up
the Nine Sisters, located in San Luis Obispo County, central California.
Islay Porcelain
This chain of extinct volcanoes, the eight others volcanic plugs, stretches from Morro Bay southeast to Islay
Hill, which is on the southeast side of San Luis Obispo (city).
Islay Crunch Ice Cream
Islay Hill is the southern-most volcanic cone located near the county airport. The general character of the
area is rural. Islay is a round grassy hill that rises to an elevation of 777 feet. The lack of
visible outcroppings distinguishes Islay Hill from the other peaks. Islay Hill is visible for Wild Cherry—Prunus ilicifolia
at least one mile in all directions, making it an important city landmark and greenbelt. Prunus ilicifolia (Common names: "hollyleaf cherry", "evergreen
The name "Islay": is derived from an Indian word meaning wild cherry. A lieutenant cherry"; "islay" - Salinan Native American) It is native to the
who accompanied Portola in this area in 1769 referred to it as "Yslay" in his journal. chaparral areas of coastal California (from Mendocino County to
San Diego County), Baja California, and Baja California Sur. as well
Islay was part of the 31,000 acres Corral de Piedra as the desert chaparral areas of the Mojave Desert.
land grant. The Rodriquez Adobe, constructed in Prunus ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub to tree, producing edible
cherries, with shiny and spiny toothed leaves similar in appearance
1858, remains near the base of the hill. Islay Hill
to those of holly. This resemblance is the source of both the
has lost much of its character with the addition of common name "holly-leaved cherry" and the scientific epithet
a 500-unit subdivision at the base of the "ilicifolia" (Ilex-leaved). It grows 8 to 30 feet (240–900 cm) tall, with
mountain. Islay Hill Park, which used to have Islay thick, alternate leaves 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5.0 cm) in length. It has
small white flowers growing in clusters, similar in appearance to
Hill as a beautiful backdrop is now blocked homes most members of the rose family, Rosaceae, flowering from March
between the park and the Islay Hill. This is a poor to May. The flowers are terminal on small stalks, with the youngest
example of planning as it was decided not to use at the cluster center. The purple to black fruit is sweet, with a very
thick pulp around a large single stone (drupe).
the natural creek boundaries between the
The plant is prized for cultivation, showy and easily grown from
development and Islay Hill to protect most of the
seed, and has been cultivated for centuries as a food source, and
character of the mountain. Wildlife access to the tolerates twice yearly pruning when often used as a hedge. The
creek has been greatly impacted with this plant likes full sun, loose open soil (porous), and tolerates drought
decision. The 350-foot elevation limit for conditions well, but needs regular watering when young. Bees are
attracted to it.
development on the west side was not enough to
Native Americans fermented the fruit into an intoxicating drink.
preserve the wildlife habitat of the area.
"Prunus" comes from the old Latin for "plum". "Ilici - folia means
"holly like - leaves".

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