Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks at-ten-yoo-AY-tuh FOS-ter-ee
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Ilex x attenuata, or Topal Holly, is a naturally growing evergreen shrub or small tree that is a hybrid cross of I. cassine (Dahoon) and I. opaca (American Holly). It was initially found growing wild in Florida in the 1920's, but is now found throughout the southeastern United States where both parents are native. 'Fosteri' or Foster's Holly, is a cultivar of I. x attenuata and, like its parent, is a small evergreen tree that is densely pyramidal and grows up to 20 feet tall (slightly smaller than the 25 foot parent). It is fast growing and is a heavy fruiter, producing red fruits that persist through winter. This plant is moderately salt tolerant, has known pest problems, and is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
Originally, there were five Foster's Holly clones. Clones 1 and 5 are no longer available. Clone 4 is a male and clones 2 and 3 are female and virtually indistinguishable. Foster's Holly is the rare holly in which female plants produce fruit without fertilization from a male pollinator. Botanically speaking, it is parthenocarpic (from Greek, parthenos meaning virgin and karpos meaning fruit). Therefore, it is unnecessary to purchase a male foster holly for fruit.
Foster's Holly grows best in acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Although the best fruit production occurs in full sun, these plants do well with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. You should site the plant where it can be protected from cold winter winds and the soil is well drained. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and deter weed growth. Prune in winter to maintain a desired size, although keep in mind that the plant flowers on new growth. Plants can suffer from the cold in USDA Zone 5 and below.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Insect problems include holly leaf miner, spittlebugs, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Susceptible to leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew, leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Foster No. 2'
darker green, narrow leaves - 'Hume No. 2'
small leaves
- 'Foster No. 2'
- 'Foster No. 2', 'Hume No. 2'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Foster No. 2'
darker green, narrow leaves - 'Hume No. 2'
small leaves
- 'Foster No. 2'
- 'Foster No. 2', 'Hume No. 2'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- cassine x opaca
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Florida
- Distribution:
- Southeastern United States
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Fruits are attractive to birds. Flowers attract bees. Some birds and animals feed on the fruit and foliage in the winter. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Buffer
- Edible fruit
- Screening
- Wildlife Food Source
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Human consumption of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 4 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Conical
- Erect
- Open
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
- 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:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- This plant heavily produces round, red berries that persists into winter and are less than an inch long and wide.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Inconspicuous, white flowers that are less than an inch in axils.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Smooth
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are 1 1/2 to 3 inches long. They are alternate, simple, elliptic to oblong-ovate, and spinose with 1 to 4 spiny teeth on each side on the upper half. Leaves are glossy and dark green and can grow to be a little under 3 inches long. Leaf bases are cuneate (not attenuate).
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Recreational Play Area
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Children's Garden
- Edible Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Salt
