Ilex myrtifolia aka Myrtle Dahoon

Ilex myrtifolia, or myrtle leaf holly, belongs to the holly family. This evergreen shrub or small tree comes from the southeastern United States. It grows in coastal woods, swamps, and rich, damp soils. Some plants grow on sandy banks beside pine barren streams. Its name refers to leaves that look like myrtle leaves.

Garden size varies widely between the sources. NC State gives heights of 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. It lists widths of 8–15 feet [2.4–4.6 metres]. RHS describes a compact plant reaching about 8 feet [2.5 metres]. Its listed spread reaches about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Growth ranges from slow in RHS to moderate in NC State. The crown can form an oval or a cone. Dark gray bark starts smooth or warty and grows scaly. Young shoots may be purple. The thick, glossy leaves stay green through winter. They grow in an alternate pattern and have pale undersides. Leaf edges may be smooth or bear a few teeth.

Small, scented, greenish-white flowers appear in spring and sometimes summer. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male flowers form small, branched groups. Female flowers grow alone or in small groups. Both sexes must be present for fruit production. The berry-like drupes turn red, yellow, or sometimes orange. They last through fall and winter and draw songbirds. These fruits contain saponins and are not food for people. Eating them may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness. RHS also warns against pets eating the fruit.

Grow this holly in sun or part shade. NC State favors moist, acid soil and notes wet-site tolerance. It accepts clay, loam, and sand, including soils rich in humus. RHS favors moist soil that drains well. The plant also tolerates some salt. NC State lists USDA zones 7a–11b; RHS gives UK hardiness H6. Avoid disturbing its roots when choosing a permanent site. Young plants benefit from winter shelter during their first two years.

Its evergreen leaves suit hedges, screens, and wetland edges. It also fits native, rain, shade, and wildlife gardens. The plant accepts hard pruning, even into old wood. NC State reports few pest or disease problems. RHS lists scale, leaf miners, and aphids as possible pests. Leaf blight, root rot, and honey fungus may also occur.