Mountain holly, Catberry
Nemopanthus mucronatus

Family: Aquifoliaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. It grows 3 m high. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is smooth. The twigs are slender and smooth. They are often purple. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 7 cm long and thin. They end in an abrupt point. There may be teeth along the edge. The stalk is purplish. The male and female flowers are separate on separate trees. The fruit are berry like. They are purplish-red and 6-12 mm across. They are on a long slender stalk.

There is only one (2) Nemopanthus spcies.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is found in swamps and along streams. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Britain, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The berries are bitter but are stored and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sometimes included in Ilex