Ilex amelanchier
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ilex dubia
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks am-uh-LAN-kee-er
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Sarvis holly is a large, deciduous, upright shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It is relatively rare in natural settings, although it is generally available commercially, and has a range that reaches its northern limit in southeastern North Carolina. It is found along black water rivers and floodplains and in clay-based Carolina bays. The species epithet commemorates the resemblance to the genus Amelanchier in the rose family.
Sarvis holly is a single-stemed holly that grows well in course to medium textured acidic soil and has some drought tolerance. It is highly tolerant of flooding. The plant can be pruned to shape; however, keep in mind that next year's blossoms and fruit will appear on new growth.
In North Carolina, it has been recorded in just 7 counties in the Coastal Plain. While it is rare and slow to reach maturity, once established, it tends to have a long lifespan. The leaves are dull green above, light green below with pubescent, raised white veins on the lower surface. The fruit is a dull, velvety rosy red. For the plant to produce berries, you must have both a male and female plant of the same species.
This is a good choice for a rain garden, native garden, or winter garden. It can be used as an accent, foundation planting, border or hedge.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pests.
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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- amelanchier
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern, U.S.A.
- Distribution:
- North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
- Wildlife Value:
- Fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Human ingestion of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Prickles
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Dull pink-red drupes, slightly glaucous, appear in late summer and may last through the following spring. You need both male and female plants to produce berries.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Inconspicuous tiny flowers with 4 or 5 greenish-white petals are borne in small clusters in the leaf axils. Blossom in April and May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Dull, pale green ovate leaves up to 4 inches long. Leaves are very finely toothed almost entire. The undersides of leaves are very densely hairy and lighter in color.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- The bark is smooth, grayish-brown and often marked with lenticels. Often colonized by lichens.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Young stems and twigs are hairy and appear almost white but become glabrous and red-brown with age.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Hedge
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Pollution
- Wet Soil
