Ilex cornuta aka Chinese Holly

Ilex cornuta, or Chinese holly, belongs to the holly family. It also goes by the name horned holly. Its native range spans central and southern China to southern Korea. This range includes Hainan. It grows on hills, in ravines, and beside mountain paths. This evergreen forms a dense shrub or small, round-crowned tree.

Garden shrubs reach about 8–12 feet [2.4–3.7 metres]. RHS gives a smaller upper height of 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Hedges can reach 15 feet [4.6 metres]. Trained trees may reach 25 feet [7.6 metres]. The bark starts smooth and gray, then forms fine flakes. Dense branches carry slim green stems that turn reddish in winter. The tough, simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Their upper sides are dark green and glossy. The lower sides are yellow-green. Strong spines mark the tips and bases of many leaves. Their shape gives the plant its horned name.

Small white flowers open in late spring, often in May. They have four parts and a scent, but little show. Bees pollinate them. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Female plants need pollen from a male to set fruit. The red, berry-like drupes ripen in fall and last into winter. Birds eat them. Each fruit measures about one-third of an inch across. The leaves and fruit bring color to winter gardens.

Grow Chinese holly in sun or part shade. It needs soil that drains well and prefers moist ground. Established plants can cope with drought, heat, and humid weather. Acid soil helps avoid yellow leaves caused by high pH. Sources give USDA zones 7–9, though Oregon State reports colder tolerance. RHS rates it H6 for UK conditions. Use it for hedges, screens, groups, or a single specimen. Its spiny leaves can form a barrier. Avoid moving mature plants, since their roots dislike disturbance.

Leaf miners, scale, whiteflies, and mites may attack this holly. Leaf spots, mildew, and leaf rots can also occur. Sources disagree on its resistance to Phytophthora root rot. It can escape gardens and spread fast. North Carolina and Georgia list it as invasive. Do not eat the fruit or feed it to pets. Eating quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness. One source lists fruit as edible but questions that claim. It also records traditional medicinal uses, not proof of safe treatment.