Common Name: longstalk holly
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Native Range: Japan, China, Taiwan
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 10.00 to 20.00 feet
Spread: 10.00 to 15.00 feet
Bloom Time: June
Bloom Description: Greenish white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Insignificant
Fruit: Showy
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in locations protected from cold winter winds. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants). For females to bear fruit, a male pollinator is needed. Plant, within 200' of each other, one male for every three females to insure that good pollination will take place.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ilex pedunculosa is a broadleaved, evergreen shrub or small multi-trunked tree which typically grows to 15' tall (infrequently to 30'). Features narrow, entire (untoothed), pear-like, glossy green leaves (1-3" long). Foliage may acquire a yellowish tinge in harsh winters. The greenish white flowers of both male and female plants appear in June and are relatively inconspicuous. Pollinated female flowers produce 1/4" diameter red berries in autumn which dangle on long stalks (to 1.5") and persist into late autumn or early winter. The distinctive berry stalks of this plant give rise to both the common name and the species name (berry stalk is known as a peduncle). Birds are attracted to the fruit.
Genus name comes from the Latin name Quercus ilex for holm oak in reference to the foliage similarities (holm oak and many of the shrubs in the genus Ilex have evergreen leaves).
Specific epithet means with a well-developed (long) flower stalk.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
This evergreen shrub or tree is best used as a specimen or in small groups. May be used as a large, informal hedge.