Mate

Ilex paraguariensis

Native to:
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Genus:
Ilex
Species:
Ilex paraguariensis
USDA Symbol:
ILPA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
white
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

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, bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers soils with high organic matter

Propagation & Germination

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