How to identify Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta)
Chinese holly is distinguishable by its distinctive, horn-shaped leaves, which appear as if they are rectangular with spiny projections, similar to bull horns. The plant typically manifests as a dense hedge, achieving heights of up to 15 feet (4.57 meters) or as a small tree extending to 25 feet (7.62 meters). Although the flowers of chinese holly are subtle in display, they have a pleasant fragrance. It's vital to note that chinese holly is dioecious, hence for seed production, the presence of both male and female specimens is required. Flowers rely on bees for pollination.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Horn-shaped leaves with spiny projections resembling bull horns.
Dioecious nature requiring both male and female specimens for seed production.
Small, dull-white, fragrant flowers with 4-parted radial blossoms.
Conspicuous berry-like drupes on female plants, vibrant to subdued red in color.
Slender stem with dense branchlets, transitioning from green to reddish-green in winter.
The leaves of chinese holly are dark, glossy green above and yellow-green below. They are alternate, spiny, coriaceous, and simple, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) long. The leaves are oblong-rectangular with three strong spines at the apex and one or two spines at the base, resembling bull horns. The spinose apex points downward and terminates in a spine. Additionally, they feature minute, dark, triangular stipules and a robust texture.
Chinese holly has small, dull-white, 4-parted, radial flowers that bloom axially in late spring. Each flower measures about 1/4 to 1/3 inch (6 to 8 mm). The flowers are fragrant but not visually striking. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, a characteristic known as dioecious. These blossoms are an important identifying feature, helping to distinguish chinese holly during its blooming period.
The stem of chinese holly is slender and green, transitioning to a reddish-green hue in winter. It features dense branchlets, small buds, and a leaf scar with a single bundle scar. The consistency of the stem is relatively thin, maintaining a consistent texture throughout its length. This stem's transformation in color and density of branchlets are key identifying features, making it distinct in its appearance. Thickness typically remains under 1 inch (2.5 cm) at maturity.
The fruit of chinese holly consists of conspicuous berry-like drupes, approximately 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) in size. Displaying a vibrant to subdued red hue, these fruits emerge exclusively on female specimens. The texture of the drupes imparts a glossy appearance, contributing to their ornamental appeal. Persisting through the season, these fructifications provide a striking visual interest well into the winter months, adding a splash of color to the landscape in colder climates.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Chinese holly
