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Ilex pedunculosa

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks ped-unk-yoo-LOH-sa
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Longstalk Holly, or Ilex pedunculosa, is a species of Holly native to Asia where it is often found in the mountains of Japan and the woodlands, thickets, and margins of woods on mountains in China. Longstalk Holly is a very hardy evergreen with red berries, small, pleasantly scented flowers, and showy foliage that is spineless and much like mountain laurel. The fruits are relished by birds and hang down on long stalks.  The distinctive berry stalk is known as a peduncle, hence the species name. It can be pruned as a dense broad shrub or left to grow as a small tree. It is one of the most cold-hardy hollies and does well in the northern and western mountains of North Carolina. The plant is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). It is pollinated by bees. For females to bear fruit, a male pollinator is needed within 200 feet; rule of thumb is to provide one male for every three females to insure that good pollination will take place.

Longstalk Holly was voted Holly of the Year for 2013 by the Holly Society of America.

This holly prefers moist soil but is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. It is drought tolerant once established. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. The plant does not tolerate transplanting, especially as the plant get older, so it is best to place the plant in its permanent position with some winter protection for the first year or two. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required The fruit and evergreen leaves make for winter interest in the landscape. The spiny leaves make this a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge. It can also be planted as a specimen, used in small groups, or planted along a foundation. Mature plants do not tolerate root disturbance, so it is best to site the plant in its permanent position, preferably one that provides winter protection for the first year or two.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#nectar plant#specialized bees#deer resistant#frost tolerant#pollinator plant#bird friendly#bee friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#nectar plant#specialized bees#deer resistant#frost tolerant#pollinator plant#bird friendly#bee friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ilex
    Species:
    pedunculosa
    Family:
    Aquifoliaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    A dark red dye is obtained from the leaves. The wood is white and beautifully veined.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China, Central & South Japan
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Berries are eaten by birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
    Play Value:
    Buffer
    Wildlife Food Source
    Wind Break
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer damage
    Edibility:
    Use caution. Berries are slightly toxic to humans if eaten in quantity.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Multi-trunked
    Pyramidal
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Bright red 1/4 inch fruit on 1 to 2 inch stalks in fall and winter.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Inconspicuous female flowers are white, usually solitary on current season's growth. Male flowers are in clusters.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple, 1 to 3 inch dark green leaves; may develop a yellowish-green cast in harsh winter. Narrow, entire (untoothed), pear-like shape.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    Smooth gray bark becoming finely flakey with size.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Description:
    Slender, glabrous, somewhat flattened.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Wind
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits