Ilex montana (Mountain Holly, Mountain Winterberry)

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Ilex montana (Mountain Holly, Mountain Winterberry) is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the family Aquifoliaceae and is known for its attractive berries that persist into winter. Appearance: Mountain Holly is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows to a height...
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Ilex montana (Mountain Holly, Mountain Winterberry) is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the family Aquifoliaceae and is known for its attractive berries that persist into winter.

Appearance: Mountain Holly is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters). It has a dense, rounded or spreading habit with multiple stems arising from the base. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and have a serrated edge. They are dark green in color and turn yellow or reddish in the fall.

Flowers and Fruits: Mountain Holly is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. The small, inconspicuous flowers appear in late spring or early summer. Female plants produce clusters of bright red berries that ripen in the fall and persist into winter. The berries are highly ornamental and provide a valuable food source for birds.

Growing conditions: Mountain Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, acidic, and well-draining soil. It is typically found in mountainous regions, hence the common name. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Mountain Holly is relatively adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Maintenance: Mountain Holly is a relatively low-maintenance shrub. It benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods, to establish strong root growth. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Pruning is generally not required, but if desired, it can be done in late winter or early spring to shape the plant or remove any dead or crossing branches.

Uses: Mountain Holly is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub in gardens, woodland areas, and naturalistic landscapes. It is valued for its attractive foliage and persistent berries, which provide color and interest during the winter months when many other plants are dormant. The berries are highly attractive to birds and can help attract wildlife to the garden. Mountain Holly can also be used in erosion control and restoration projects due to its adaptability and tolerance to various soil conditions.

It's important to note that while Mountain Holly is a beautiful and beneficial shrub, it should not be confused with other species of holly, such as Ilex opaca (American Holly), which has similar berries but is an evergreen tree. Additionally, Mountain Holly is a separate species from the commonly cultivated winterberry hollies (Ilex verticillata), which are known for their profusion of berries in winter.

Botanical Name : Ilex montana

Common Name : Mountain Holly

Height : 3 – 15 ft

Spread : 8 ft

Germination Info : Seed requires 4-6 months warm stratification followed by 120 days cold stratification

Hardiness zone : 5-7

Average seed per ounce : Approx. 1875

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