Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Genus:

Ilex

Species:

Ilex ×attenuata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

More than 40 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

White, Green

Native Range

United States: California, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Bee Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to southeastern US, prefers acidic soils