Ilex glabra

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 6-8' tall, 8-10' wide, variable according to growing conditions. Habit is upright, rounded and much-branched shrub. Spreads by underground stems, and is the only holly to sucker and form colonies in this manner. Normally a slow growing plant, but sucker shoots are faster.

Native Range

Kentucky Native — Native from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Missouri, Mississippi, and Texas. Introduced to trade 1759.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are dioecious, with 6 creamy petals, opening late spring. Male flowers are borne 3+ together on a slender stalk, female flowers solitary. Fruit is a berry-like drupe, purplish-red changing to black, 0.25" diamter with 5-7 pyrenes. September-May of the following year. Often hidden by foliage but an be more showy than Ilex crenata fruits.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Leaves are alternately arranged, simple, evergreen, obovateto lanceolate, 0.75-2" long, 0.33-0.63" wide, very thin. Dark green, often lustrous above, lighter beneath. Older plants may start shedding the lower leaves, resulting in a more open appearance. Leaves may discolor in severe winters (below -15°F). Bark is at first green, powdery, and pubescent, finally glabrous. Holds green color several years.

Culture and Care

Prefers moist, acid soils and withstands heavy pruning. Often found in swamps in its native habitat. Avoid extremely high pH soils. Best in full sun with moist soil, but quite shade tolerant. Zones (4)5-9(10). Seems to be quite free of problems, though red mites can be a problem in the South and occasionally has leaf spot.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Amazingly adaptable. Flowers are a great nectar source for bees.

Suggested Uses

Excellent for foundation, accent plant, or hedge plantings.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA