Perennial
Zones 3-6
Up to 9 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Medium to Wet Site
Sand, clay, or loamy soil
Approx. 10 seeds per pack
Mountain Holly (Ilex mucronata) is the only native holly within Eastern North America. This species is a small to medium-sized, deciduous shrub which grows erect with ascending branches. The bark is smooth and ash-gray, whereas its twigs are reddish-purple to purplish-brown. Leaves produced are simple, light green and grow alternately along the branches. During the fall, leaves change to a deep yellow colour. During the spring, small, inconspicuous white to light green flowers bloom and give way to small red berries that persist into winter.
Sustainably wild collected from Ontario seed zone SE4 or 26.
Growing Instructions
Warm and then cold, moist stratification required. Upon receiving seeds, soak in warm water for 24 hours, then mix seeds with sterile moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag or reusable container and leave at room temperature for 60 days, then refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Once stratified, plant 1/8 deep. Do not let seedling dry out. Plant seeds ¾ to 1” deep and about 6” apart. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
Once your seedlings have grown for about a year, you should then transplant them to their permanent locations.
OR
Alternatively, seed can be sown outdoors, but can require up to two years to germinate.