Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling

EYE-leks vom-mit-TOR-ee-uh

Description

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' is a dense, compact, rounded evergreen shrub that is a dwarf cultivar of the species. It grows up to 5' tall and has brittle, close-knit branches and dark green leaves (0.5 - 1.5" long) that are yellow-green when new. If pollinated, the small greenish white flowers on female shrubs will mature into persistent red drupes, although they are not as common or as striking as those of the species. This plant blooms in early to mid-spring and the fruits are usually hidden by the close-knit branches. The Dwarf Yaupon Holly spreads wider than it is tall and can be used for topiary. Leaves are not concolorous and tend to be much darker on top than beneath. Drought and salt spray tolerant. This plant tolerates wet soil, is easily transplanted, and has no known pest problems.

Quick ID Hints:

Dense evergreen shrub with gray twigs.
Leaves are glossy, dark green on top and light green on the bottom.
Leaf margins are crenate, have no black glands beneath them.

More information on Ilex vomitoria.

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' - Whole Plant L_Hoffheins CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Attributes:
Genus:

Ilex

Species:

vomitoria

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Uses (Ethnobotany):

The wood from this plant was used by Native Americans to make arrows. The leaves were used for ceremonial tea.

Life Cycle:

Woody

Wildlife Value:

Fruits are attractive and food source to birds and small animals. Flowers attract bees. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. Leaves provide food source for deer.

Play Value:

Attracts Pollinators

Edible fruit

Wildlife Cover/Habitat

Wildlife Food Source

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

Drought and salt spray tolerant, deer resistant.

Dimensions:

Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.

Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Shrub

Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Habit/Form:

Dense

Mounding

Rounded

Growth Rate:

Slow

Texture:

Fine

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 Drainage:

Good Drainage

Moist

Occasionally Dry

Occasionally Wet

Available Space To Plant:

3 feet-6 feet

NC Region:

Coastal

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Fruit:
Fruit Color:

Red/Burgundy

Fruit Value To Gardener:

Edible

Showy

Display/Harvest Time:

Fall

Spring

Winter

Fruit Type:

Berry

Drupe

Fruit Length:

< 1 inch

Fruit Width:

< 1 inch

Fruit Description:

If pollinated, the flowers on female shrubs will mature into persistent red globose berry drupes, although they are not as common or as striking as those of the species and are less than an inch wide.

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Green

White

Flower Value To Gardener:

Fragrant

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Size:

< 1 inch

Flower Description:

Produces small, greenish-white flowers in spring that are solitary or in pairs and are clustered on peduncles in leaf axils.

Leaves:
Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Leaf Color:

Gold/Yellow

Green

Leaf Feel:

Glossy

Leathery

Smooth

Leaf Value To Gardener:

Good Cut

Long-lasting

Leaf Type:

Simple

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Shape:

Ovate

Leaf Margin:

Crenate

Hairs Present:

No

Leaf Length:

1-3 inches

Leaf Width:

< 1 inch

Leaf Description:

Alternate, simple, glossy dark green leaves that are 1/2"-1 1/2" long. New growth has a yellow-green tinge. Leaves are oval to ovate and are shallowly toothes around the margin to the base.

Stem:
Stem Color:

Gray/Silver

Stem Is Aromatic:

No

Landscape:
Landscape Location:

Recreational Play Area

Landscape Theme:

Children's Garden

Edible Garden

Pollinator Garden

Attracts:

Bees

Pollinators

Small Mammals

Songbirds

Specialized Bees

Resistance To Challenges:

Deer

Drought

Insect Pests

Salt

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Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

Common Name(s):