Aquifoliaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Ilex cassine

Common names: Dahoon Holly, Dahoon

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Origin: Florida

Florida native Holly is a wetland shrub or small tree found throughout Florida, southeastern U.S. coastal plain, Bahamas, and Cuba. In warm winter areas Ilex cassine is evergreen but tends to shed its foliage in colder climates.

In the winter, female trees are covered with bright red or yellow berries.

Ilex x attenuata is the result of a cross between Ilex cassine and Ilex opaca. It is a naturally occurring hybrid found in the southeastern United States where the ranges of the parents overlap, but hybrid cultivars have also been created. The best known cultivars are 'Fosteri', Foster holly, which does not require males to set fruit, and 'Savannah', with very showy red fruit.

Botanical name: Ilex cornuta

Common names: Chinese Holly, Horned Holly

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Origin: Eastern China

Ilex cornuta is valued horticulturally for its attractive and distinctive rectangular foliage and for its large red berries. Unusually shaped rectangular leaves have three large spines at the apex. Flowers are fragrant but generally inconspicuous.

Botanical name: Ilex opaca

Common name: American Holly

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Origin: North America

Ilex opaca or American Holly is a fast-growing tree native to North America. It can be used for bonsai and grows to a height of 10-20 ft, making it suitable for gardens, lawns and parks. It needs full sun or partial shade for optimal growth and should be watered regularly (moderate water requirement). During its blooming season, Ilex opaca produces white, off-white flowers, which are followed by berries with a beautiful, shiny red coloration, being used as a traditional Christmas decoration. Its foliage is ornamental, though younger trees may have thorns and spines on branches.

Ilex opaca is cold hardy and can be grown in USD Zones 5-10. To grow this tree in a pot in cold areas, select a container with a drainage hole and fill it good potting mix. Make sure the container is kept in a sheltered location and water the tree regularly. Although Ilex opaca is cold hardy, extra protection from cold can be provided by wrapping the pot with a blanket or bubble wrap when temperatures plummet.

Botanical name: Ilex paraguariensis

Common name: Yerba Mate

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Origin: Subtropical South America

Hardiness: 20°F

Ilex paraguariensis is an evergreen tree or large shrub in the holly family, native to subtropical regions of South America, including Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It bears glossy, serrated leaves and small white flowers, followed by red berries. The leaves are harvested, dried, and traditionally used to prepare yerba mate, a stimulating beverage rich in caffeine and antioxidants. The species is culturally significant and economically important throughout its native range, with plantations established for commercial leaf production.

Grow Ilex paraguariensis in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture. It prefers a warm, humid climate and is not tolerant of prolonged frost. Plants benefit from protection from cold winds and light pruning to maintain shape and encourage new leaf growth for harvest. Propagation is typically from seed, though germination can be slow. Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. Suitable for agroforestry systems, specialty crop production, and ornamental planting in suitable climates. See Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) article

Botanical name: Ilex pernyi

Common name: Perney's Holly

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Origin: China

Ilex pernyi is a slow growing evergreen shrub with a conical habit. Its dark green, shiny, leathery leaves are ovate with spiny margins, up to 3cm long and 1.5cm broad and variable in shape.