Ilex latifolia

• BOTANICAL NAME: Ilex latifolia
• PRONUNCIATION: I-leks lat-ti-FOL-e-a
• COMMON NAME: Lusterleaf Holly
• FAMILY: Aquifoliaceae
• NATIVITY: Japan
• GROWTH HABIT: Pyramidal tree with dense growth.
• SIZE: 50 - 60' in its native habitat, 15 - 25' in cultivation
• HARDINESS: Zone 7 - 9
• CULTURE: Full sun, in well-drained, moist soils. Tolerates the heat of the southeastern US quite well.
• LANDSCAPE USE: Excellent specimen, could be used in small groupings and hedges.
• FOLIAGE: Alternate, oblong, with relatively finely serrate margins, 4 - 8" long. Foliage is leathery and course texture. Blends well with the texture and color of Southern magnolia foliage.
• BUDS:
• BARK:
• FLOWERS: Dioecious, creamy white, quite fragrant.
• FRUIT: Drupe, red, about 1/3" long, generally borne in abundance.
• PROPAGATION: Seed, cuttings.
• PESTS: None serious.
• CULTIVARS: Used in the breeding of other species/cultivars:
  • I. x koehneana and cultivars
  • I. `Mary Nell'
  • I. `Mary Nell Sibling'