Ilex pedunculosa aka Longstalk Holly

Ilex pedunculosa, or longstalk holly, belongs to the holly family. It comes from China, Japan, and Taiwan. It grows in mountain woods, thickets, and woodland edges. This evergreen forms a large shrub or small tree. Garden plants often reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres] tall. A usual spread is about 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres]. Some sources give heights of 30 feet [9.1 metres]. RHS lists a taller range, reaching 39 feet [12 metres]. Growth is slow, though UConn describes slow to moderate growth.

The crown can be narrow, rounded, or shaped like a pyramid. Dense leaves cover the branches, with loose shoots beyond them. Plants often have several trunks. The gray bark starts smooth and flakes as trunks grow. Young stems are slender, hairless, and somewhat flat. Leaves grow one at a time along the stems. Each leaf is simple, glossy, dark green, and without spines. The edges may wave but have no teeth. New leaves can show bronze tones. Harsh winters or exposed sites may turn foliage yellow-green.

Small, scented flowers appear in June, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Their color is white or greenish white. Male flowers grow in clusters; female flowers usually grow alone. Each plant carries either male or female flowers. Bees pollinate them. Female plants need a nearby male to form fruit. NCSU recommends one male per three females within 200 feet [61 metres]. Red fruit ripens in fall and may last into winter. Each berry hangs from a long, thin stalk. These stalks give the plant its common name. Birds eat the fruit.

Grow it in sun or part shade with good drainage. It prefers moist soil and tolerates sand, loam, and clay. Sources allow a range of soil pH. Established plants can cope with drought. Most sources place it in USDA zones 5–8. NCSU also includes zone 4; RHS rates it H6. Shelter from cold winter winds helps limit leaf damage. It needs little upkeep and tolerates pruning into old wood. Use it as a specimen, screen, or loose hedge. It also suits small groups and urban gardens. Leaves yield red dye, and the pale wood has marked grain.

Serious pest and disease problems are seldom reported. Scale, leaf miners, and aphids may still attack it. Possible diseases include leaf blight, root rot, and honey fungus. PFAF records cooked young leaves as an edible use, with caution. It also records traditional medicinal uses, not evidence of proven benefit. The fruit is not food for people or pets. Eating it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness. NCSU rates the poisoning risk as low.