Burfordii Nana Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford'
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks kor-NU-ta DWAR-f BUR-for-d
- Description
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A small broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family. It is a smaller, more compact form than 'Burfordii" and is commonly used as a specimen or planted in small groups or used as a hedge. Female 'Dwarf Burford' plants are parthenocarpic (able to produce fruit without pollination), grow rapidly, and are easily transplanted. The red berries and beautiful evergreen leaves persist through winter, giving it a great winter interest in a landscape. It is a great selection for the south because once established it withstands heat and some drought. The shrub is fast-growing and, dense, and can grow up to 9 4/5 feet.
Plant in a protected location as it is sensitive to frost and winds. It needs average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade is appreciated. If planted in full sun, the plants will get more broad than it will get high.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally pest free. Potential insect include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils). Winter hardiness can also be an issue so consider planting in a protected spot. Avoid poorly drained soils.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaves are alternate, dark green, and bullate.
- Leaves are oblong (margins are parallel).
- Leaves have a single spine at the apex.
- Stems are yellow-green.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Lawn and Upper Drive Border
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- cornuta
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Wildlife Value:
- Showy fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Buffer
- Sound
- Wildlife Food Source
- Wind Break
- Dimensions:
- Height: 11 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Spines
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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:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Plant produces bright red, globose berries that drupe. Fruits are produced in great quantities and often without pollination (parthenocarpically). Berries are retained through winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Dioecious plants (male and female) fragrant but inconspicuous white flowers appear in May. Pollinated flowers turn into bright red drupes.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Prickly
- Waxy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Unusually shaped elliptic to oblong leaves (up to 4” long) have a single spine at the apex (although occasionally two spines will develop). Leaves are alternate, simple, coriaceous, dark glossy green and bullate with parallel margins. Leaves are generally smaller than 'Burfordii'.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Smooth gray
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are yellow-green in color.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns
