Common Name: Chinese Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex cornuta

Order: Celastrales

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Ecology & Description Chinese holly is a broadleaf evergreen that is used frequently in gardens of the Southeastern United States. As a shrub, it can grow 8-10 feet tall. If cultivated as a tree, however, it could reach heights of 25 feet. The leaves, which are approximately 4 inches long, have a rectangular shape to them while also having large spines at the apex. The flowers begin to appear in late spring and are a dull-green white. While they are very fragrant, they are also quite inconspicuous. Fruit of the Chinese holly are berry-like red drupes that are about 1/3” long. The fruits mature in the fall and will persist on the tree all the way into winter, thus can be used by wildlife, particularly birds, throughout the winter.

Habitat Chinese holly, while very tolerable of drought conditions, will grow best in moist, well-drained soils that are in full or partial sunlight. The plant grows best on well drained, sandy soils, but will also tolerate soils which are somewhat poorly drained. It has great shade tolerance, but also does well in direct sun. It can be found growing on coastal beaches, but will usually never exceed a shrub size.

Distribution This species is found throughout the Southeastern United States.

Native/Invasive Status Chinese holly is an introduced species in the United States, originating from China and Korea. It is considered invasive in parts of Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Wildlife Uses Songbirds will eat the fruit, which can be an especially important part of their diet during winter months. Example species include wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), and northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). The plant can also be used as nesting and escape cover.

Management & Control Techniques Chinese holly can become overgrown in established sites if not managed. The best way to control this plant is through heavy pruning.

References Missouri Botanical Gardens. 2015. Ilex cornuta. St. Louis, MO. Online. Accessed 12 August 2015. North Carolina Cooperative Extension. 2015. Ilex cornuta. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University. Online. Accessed 12 August 2015. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2015. Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxton. Online. Accessed 12 August 2015. University of Delaware Botanic Gardens. 2015. Ilex cornuta. Newark, DE. Online. Accessed 12 August 2015.

This document was authored by Madison Dunigan, School of Forestry, Louisiana Tech University, April 2015.