How to identify Lusterleaf holly (Ilex latifolia)

How to identify Lusterleaf holly (Ilex latifolia)

Lusterleaf holly, also known as Tarajo holly

Lusterleaf holly is an evergreen, pyramidal to rounded shrub or small tree reaching heights of 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.6 meters) and widths of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters). Its large, oblong leaves are a glossy dark green, leathery, and span 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) with finely serrated edges and a conspicuous black dot at each serration's peak. In the spring, this dioecious plant produces tiny yellowish-green flowers, while the female, if pollinated, bears dense clusters of small orangish-red berries in the fall, persisting into winter.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Lusterleaf holly

Evergreen plant with glossy dark green oblong leaves (4-8 inches long).

Fruit consists of small, deep orange-red berries less than 0.5 inches in diameter.

Distinctive mottled bark with smooth texture and patches of light and dark gray.

Small yellowish-green flowers with a fragrant aroma, blooming in clusters of 1-3.

Robust stems transition from green to gray-green, densely covered in fine hairs when young.

Detailed Traits of Lusterleaf holly

Leaf Features

The leaves of lusterleaf holly are alternate, simple, and leathery. They feature a lustrous dark green upper surface and a yellowish-green underside. Shaped oblong to ovate-oblong, these leaves are obtuse or shortly acuminate and serrate, with a black gland at the end of each tooth. They measure between 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length and 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) in width. Some may be convex. A tiny black triangular stipule is present at the leaf base.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of lusterleaf holly are small, approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter, and exhibit a dull, yellowish-green hue. They emanate a notable fragrance and possess four petals each. Blooming in spring, these flowers typically appear in clusters of 1 to 3. The pistillate cymes are located in the leaf axils of the current season's growth, while the staminate flowers are solitary and also found in the leaf axils of the current season's growth.

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Stem Features

The stems of lusterleaf holly are initially green in their first year, transitioning to a gray-green or gray-brown hue by the second or third year. The young stems are often densely covered in fine hairs, giving them a pubescent texture. As they mature, the stems become dense and rigid, providing structural support to the plant. Stems grow robustly, contributing to the plant's overall sturdy and resilient nature. Typically, the stem's thickness increases gradually as it ages, supporting its branching pattern effectively.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of lusterleaf holly presents as a striking deep, dull orange-red berry-like drupe, with a smooth, spherical shape. Each drupe measures less than 0.5 inches (approximately 1.27 cm) in diameter, ensuring a petite, attractive cluster. These fruits are neatly assembled on short peduncles, arrayed prominently in axillary groups that embrace the stems. Typically ripening in the fall season, their presence can adorn the plants well into the spring, offering a persistent splash of color through multiple seasons.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Lusterleaf holly and Their Similar Plants

Common holly vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

Japanese holly vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. Japanese holly is a flowering plant, and its flowers transition into berries during summer. This plant is popularly planted as an ornamental shrub and can be grown as a Bonsai tree.

Chinese holly vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub native to China and Korea. The chinese holly is often grown ornamentally in gardens and is considered easy to grow and maintain. The chinese holly bears fruits that are thought to be superior to other holly species.

American holly vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Ilex opaca, commonly known as american holly, is a medium-sized evergreen tree, commonly found in southeastern areas of North America as an understory tree in humid forests. Its bright red fruits are poisonous to humans but are a very important source of food for numerous species of birds.

Yaupon vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Yaupon is a small tree or large shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its small, evergreen leaves and its small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The tree produces small, black berries that are favored by a variety of birds. In the garden, yaupon is often used as a hedge or border plant due to its dense growth habit and its ability to tolerate trimming. In addition to its practical uses in the garden, yaupon has a long history of use by Native American tribes, who used the plant for medicinal purposes and as a source of caffeine. The leaves of the plant can be brewed into a tea that is similar in flavor to black tea.

Common winterberry vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a berry species commonly grown in eastern gardens within the United States. Common winterberry is valued for its ability to grow in temperate climates and the colors it provides as an ornamental plant. The common winterberry is also called Michigan holly.

Inkberry vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a species native to the eastern United States. Inkberry is valued for its flavorful floral blossoms which are used as commercial ingredients in honey. Its leaves can be turned into a tea which is popular in East Asia.

Possumhaw vs. Lusterleaf holly: What's The Difference?

Possumhaw is a deciduous shrub that can grow to tree-like dimensions in the right conditions. The leaves are a dark green and the fruits are red, shiny, and round with a diameter of 4 to 8 mm. Only female plants produce these berries.

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Key Facts About Lusterleaf holly

Attributes of Lusterleaf holly

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

6 m to 8 m

Spread

4.5 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Cream

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Scientific Classification of Lusterleaf holly

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Lusterleaf holly (Ilex latifolia)

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Distribution Map of Lusterleaf holly

Lusterleaf holly is native to temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia. It is widely found as an endemic species in broadleaf forests of this major region. Additionally, lusterleaf holly has been introduced and cultivated in various other global regions, where it has adapted well to local conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Lusterleaf holly How to Grow and Care for Lusterleaf holly