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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Ilex myrtifolia
Ilex myrtifolia Walter
Myrtle Dahoon, Myrtle Leaf Holly, Myrtle Holly
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
Synonym(s): Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia
USDA Symbol: ILMY
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall, often much shorter.
Fruit: Although technically drupes, the fruit is commonly referred to as berries.
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
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
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional 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: 2013-09-07Research By: TWC Staff