Ilex pedunculosa Longstalk Holly

Introduction

This broadleaf evergreen from China, Japan, and Korea is not well known in this country. Its moderately dense habit varies from narrow columnar to rounded and irregular. Branches will remain on the lower portion of the trunk forming a nice pyramidal silhouette on some specimens. Others may have to be pruned in order to maintain a uniform shape. Leaves have a smooth, undulating margin quite unlike many other hollies. The dense habit is due to the persistent leaves, which remain on the tree for 2 or 3 years. The small, bright fruits are pendent on long peduncles displaying nicely in the foliage. A male plant of the same species must be nearby in order to ensure fruit set. Wildlife appears to enjoy the fruit.

General Information

Scientific name: Ilex pedunculosa

Pronunciation: EYE-lecks ped-unk-yoo-LOE-suh

Common name(s): longstalk holly

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Plant type: tree

USDA hardiness zones: 6 through 8 (Figure 4)

Planting month for zone 7: year round

Planting month for zone 8: year round

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: hedge; screen; sidewalk cutout (tree pit); recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or for median strip plantings in the highway; near a deck or patio; container or above-ground planter

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 10 to 15 feet

Spread: 10 to 15 feet

Plant habit: round

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: slow

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: undulate

Leaf shape: elliptic (oval); oblong

Leaf venation: brachidodrome

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: white; pink

Flower characteristic: pleasant fragrance

Fruit

Fruit shape: round

Fruit length: less than 0.5 inch

Fruit cover: fleshy

Fruit color: red

Fruit characteristic: persists on the plant; attracts birds

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy; typically multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: brown; reddish

Current year stem/twig thickness: medium

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; well-drained; sand; loam; clay; slightly alkaline

Soil salt tolerances: unknown

Plant spacing: not applicable

Other

Roots: usually not a problem

Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers

Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more

Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests

Use and Management

Longstalk holly is not common in the trade and so has not been used extensively in the landscape. Although it can be thinned or clipped if planted too close to a walk or structure, it may be best used as a specimen in a large garden where its natural habit can be displayed.

Plants are best located in a sunny spot in soil that drains well. Longstalk holly can withstand exposure to wind, even in the winter. It appears to be one of the most cold-tolerant hollies.

Pests and Diseases

Although few problems are reported on this plant, it has not been widely grown or tested.