Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia
- Common Name(s):
- Myrtle leaf holly
- Categories:
- Native Plants, Shrubs
- Comment:
Myrtle leaf holly is a shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family. Somewhat shrubby; red berries; gray bark. It is noted for its very nice red and yellow fruit set in fall and winter. Myrtle leaf holly tolerates wet sites, found often in shallow wetland areas and would make a good hedge in a wetland area. Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring. If you are using seeds, most holly species require 2-3 years of dormancy before they will germinate. This plant is moderately salt tolerant.
Seasons of Interest
Fruit: Fall-Winter, yellow/red berry Bark: Winter
Wildlife Value: Fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Height:
- 20-30 ft.
- Foliage:
- Shiny dark green; alternate, simple; entire or with a few spines near the apex.
- Flower:
- White flowers followed by a berry-lie drupe.
- Zones:
- 8-11
- Habit:
- Evergreen
- Site:
- Sand or loamy soil. Tolerates acidic soils.
- Texture:
- Medium
- Form:
- irregular open oval, pyramidal
- Fruit:
- Red or Yellow drupe
- Width:
- 8-15 ft.
NCCES plant id: 3318

JC Raulston Arboretum

JC Raulston Arboretum