Intraspecific differences in leaf photosynthetic light acclimation potential were studied in the Mediterranean-climate evergreen shrub Heteromeles arbutifolia. Three levels of integration in the leaf photosynthetic response were compared between sun and shade individuals; at the time of optimum growth in the spring, during different seasons, and throughout the leaf life-span. Within and between year net photosynthesis had low light requirements for saturation and was affected by differences in water and nitrogen availability. Photosynthetic capacity had seasonal trends and values that were similar in both sun and shade habitats, except during the spring when ontogenic differences had pronounced effects on the photosynthetic response. From these patterns it was concluded that the species has a shade-tolerant strategy along with the potential to acclimate early in the season. Initial high leaf survivorship and carbon gain in sun leaves lead to a faster return of carbon investment and increased chances of photosynthate contribution for allocation to reproduction, new vegetative growth or storage before the onset of the summer dry season. It was found that plastic morphological and physiological responses that improved the use-efficiency of different resources in each habitat are the means by which the species is able to thrive in contrasting environments.