Ilex vomitoria 'Will Fleming'

'Will Fleming' is a male cultivar of I. vomitoria, a species of evergreen shrubs or small trees native to the eastern United States and often found native in North Carolina.   The genus name Ilex is in reference to the similarity of the evergreen leaves to Quercus ilex or holm oak.  The leaves of the parent plant were used for ceremonial tea, which, when consumed in large quantities, caused a cleansing now memorialized by the specific epithet vomitoria.

The 'Will Fleming' cultivar, or Will Fleming Holly, is a narrow, dense, upright form of the species that grows up to 15 feet tall and can act as an exclamation point in the landscape. 'Will Fleming' has tight, close-knit appearance initially, but over time as the plant matures, it opens out providing excellent vertical interest as a loose screen, accent, or border plant. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and female plants need a male pollinator in the area in order to bear fruit. 'Will Fleming' is a male cultivar and will not bear fruit but can be used to pollinate female varieties.

'Will Fleming' holly is drought and salt spray tolerant, tolerates wet soil, is easily transplanted, and has no known pest problems. Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to shade.  It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can take heavy pruning.  

Use in small or vertical spaces in an Asian garden. Mass plant as a low hedge or along the middle of a border or prune it into a small tree and use as a container plant on a patio where the fragrant flowers can be enjoyed.

Fire Risk:  This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No insect or disease problems when planted in their native habitat.  Holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale are occasional problems. Leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew are potential disease problems.

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

VIDEO: Part of a series of Native Plant Picks from the North Carolina Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes Initiative.

More information on Ilex vomitoria.