Sarvis Holly
Ilex amelanchier
- Native to:
- United States
USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Provided by NRCS National Wetland Team, Fort Worth, TX.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- Ilex amelanchier
- USDA Symbol:
- ILAM2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers woodland edges and forest understories
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–150 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–365 days
- Notes:
- Double dormancy typical of Ilex; may require warm stratification followed by cold stratification, with germination often delayed until second spring.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.