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.

Tags:

wetland, showy fruits, wet sites, hedge, salt tolerant, winter interest, wet

NCCES plant id: 3318