Ilex cornuta
Chinese holly
Overview
Ilex cornuta is a slow-growing evergreen shrub in the holly family, typically reaching 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m) tall and wide, occasionally to 15 feet (4.6 m). Its thick, glossy dark green leaves are 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) long and roughly rectangular, most bearing three to five stiff spines, with a single terminal spine on a squared-off tip. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants; the small dull-white flowers are fragrant and open in spring. Pollinated female plants carry clusters of round red berries 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) across that ripen in autumn and hold through winter. Native to eastern China and Korea, it tolerates heat, humidity, drought, and a range of soils once established. The dense, rounded habit and spiny foliage suit it to barrier and screening plantings. Berries and leaves contain saponins and theobromine that are toxic to people and pets if eaten. Growth is slow, and some berry-bearing forms set fruit without pollination.
Native Range
Native to eastern China and Korea, where it grows in lowland thickets, forest margins, and hillsides. It has been widely planted in the southeastern United States and naturalizes in some areas.Suggested Uses
Ilex cornuta is used for hedges, screens, foundation plantings, and barrier plantings where its spiny foliage deters foot traffic. The red berries are a source of winter color and food for birds. It is also grown as a clipped specimen or in large containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Small dull-white flowers open in spring, usually April to May. They are fragrant but easily overlooked among the foliage. On female plants, flowers are followed by red berries that color in fall and hold through winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ilex cornuta grows in full sun to part shade and adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils with moderate moisture. It tolerates heat, humidity, and drought once established, and withstands urban conditions. A female plant needs a nearby male for reliable berry set, though some forms fruit without pollination. It responds to shearing and recovers from hard pruning. Yellowing leaves can signal poorly drained or alkaline soil.Pruning
Pruning is done in late winter or early spring before new growth, shaping or reducing size as needed. The shrub tolerates shearing into hedges and recovers from cutting back into old wood. Removing crossing or dead branches keeps the interior open.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons