Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

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Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese Holly is abundantly planted as an ornamental in North Carolina, but rarely escapes from cultivation. It is similar to the native Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), but with smaller, slightly convex leaves that are a very dark green when mature. The fruits are black (red in Yaupon).

Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC 5/15/10.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Sometimes called Box-leaved Holly, since the leaves and form resemble those of boxwoods (Buxus spp.).

Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC 5/15/10.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) leaves

Durham Co., NC 8/24/2013.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Detail of staminate (male) flowers.

Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC 5/15/10.