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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Ilex myrtifolia Walt.
Myrtle dahoon, Myrtle leaf holly, Myrtle holly
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
Synonyms: Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia
USDA Symbol: ILMY
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
An evergreen shrub or small tree, usually not exceeding 15-18 ft. The rigid, elliptic leaves have smooth margins and axillary, greenish-white flowers which are not showy. The fruits on the female trees are red, sometimes orange or yellow, and often persist to spring.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TXNative Distribution: Coastal Plain from NC to FL, w. to LA
Native Habitat: Swamp margins; low, sandy areas; bays
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, sandy soil.
Conditions Comments: This species is sometimes considered a variety of Ilex cassine, which has wider leaves. You must have both a male and female plant to have berries. The male must be the same species as the female and bloom at the same time. Because hollies are such popular landscape plants, it may be worth the risk to plant a female and hope there is a male nearby.
Propagation
Description: Ilex seeds exhibit a dormancy. Patience is probably more important than cold treatment for germination. Cuttings root about any time of year.Seed Collection: Collect fruit in fall. Crush pulp and wash away. Seeds which float should be throw away as they are not viable.
Seed Treatment: Some benefit may be obtained from 30-60 days treatment at 68-86 degrees followed by 60-90 days of 41 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Shrub for part shade for hedge in Holly Ridge NC
April 07, 2010
We live in Coastal NC. We would like a type of shrub for the front of our home which is partial shade, similar style to a boxwood or trainable hedge. What NC native would compare?
view the full question and answer
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Ilex myrtifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ilex myrtifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ilex myrtifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: TWC Staff
