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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Saturday - December 11, 2010

From: Dunellon, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Origin of name of hybrid Ilex x attenuata
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Could you please tell me where Eagleson, or also called Eagleston Holly got its name ?

ANSWER:

No, sorry. This plant is a hybrid of Ilex opaca (American holly) and Ilex cassine (Dahoon) which means it falls out of our area of expertise, that being plants native to North America. This article from Backyard Gardener has information about its cultivation. Usually names like this are either assigned to it by whoever hybridized the plant or even the nursery that is offering it for sale. Names can be trademarked or just chosen for enhanced sales appeal.

 

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