Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Genus:

Ilex

Species:

Ilex coriacea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

12-20 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

White

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia

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:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found in wetland areas