Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

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Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

Chinese Holly is an abundantly planted large shrub or small tree. It is a fairly common escape from cultivation in North Carolina. The glossy leaves are coriaceous, evergreen, and prickly like those of American Holly, but have a unique shape -- the central spine points down, while the next two point up like horns (hence the name cornuta, which means horned). Many of the planted Chinese Hollies lack these horns.

Durham, NC.

Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

The foliage is usually very dense, making an impenetrable hedge.

Chapel Hill, NC 7/17/05.

Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

The yellowish-white flowers grow in dense clusters. These are staminate (male) flowers.

Durham, NC 4/4/07.

Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

Detail of pistillate (female) flowers.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/18/04.

Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

The bark is smooth, like that of other hollies.

Durham, NC.

More information:
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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