Characteristics: Broad-leaved, deciduous shrub Leaves: alternate, simple, dark green Flowers: White, male plant has flowers in clusters of 6 or more, females plant has clusters of one to three flowers through June. Fruit: Berry like drupe, red, late August persisting through February. Growth:Slow Height: 6-10’ Spread 6-10’ Shade: Prefers at least partial shade, tolerates full shade Habitat: Fresh tidal swamps and forested wetlands Hydrology: Facultative wetland +, fresh water, above mean high water to upland Range: Newfoundland to Minnesota, south to Georgia and Mississippi Comments: Plant in masses or groupings, requires male and female but can be
pollinated by other Ilex species. Tolerates drought. Important emergency winter
food for birds such as mockingbird, gray catbird, brown thrasher, eastern bluebird,
cedar waxwing, common flicker, and bobwhite.
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