Holly

Ilex anomala

Native to:
Marquesas, Society Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Genus:
Ilex
Species:
Ilex anomala
USDA Symbol:
ILSA2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1200 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,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
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–120 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Ilex seeds often exhibit double dormancy; warm stratification followed by cold stratification improves germination. Germination can be slow and erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society