Japanese holly
Ilex crenata
Family: Aquifoliaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It is compact and evergreen. It grows to 4.5 m high. It spreads 3 m wide. The branches are stiff. The leaves are small and scalloped. The flowers are white. The fruit are glossy black berries. There are several cultivated varieties.
There are about 400 Ilex species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does best in light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. In temperate areas in China it grows between 700-2,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Myanmar, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Caution:
Edible parts
Fruit, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.